Match Reports

Wednesday 21 December 2005, 2000h kick-off, it’s 16C and the last game of the year before the Christmas break. The next game is away to Sevilla on 8 January 2006, so it’s very important for Malaga to get a good result here at home. Malaga are short of players for this important game, after the debacle in Santander on Sunday, when during the 1-1 draw with Racing, the referee saw fit to send off five players, three from the home side and Anderson and Gerardo from Malaga, who all face an automatic one game suspension. Juan Rodriguez also suffered an injury during that game and is unfit to face the Yellow Submarines.  With Miguel Angel and Juanito transferred at the beginning of the season, Romero out injured since the first game and now a further three midfielders out, it was going to be a makeshift side that Antonio Tapia would be putting out. New signing Bovio arrives from Brazil on 2 January 2006, but Tapia will be using the upcoming transfer window to bolster his side as they go into the second half of the season.
Villarreal on the other hand are enjoying their most successful period in their history. Their squad is fully fit and have successfully negotiated the first part of the Champion’s League and enter the knock out part of the competition in the New Year. They currently lie in fourth position in La Liga and are well organised, fit and quick on the counter attack. Chilean Manager, Manual Pellegrini has filled his team with South American superstars, including Riquelme, Forlan, Senna and young Argentinean goalkeeper Viera, who was wanted by Arsenal before he signed for the Yellow Subs.
Malaga are forced to field two Malaga B players to make up tonight’s team, full back Jesus Gamez and midfielder Usero. So centre back Alexis, who has played all season at right back, is pushed forward into midfield to play alongside Usero in front of the back four, as Tapia names a 4-2-3-1 line-up: Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Alexis and Usero; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.
Villarreal play a more orthodox 4-4-2 and lined up as follows: Villarreal (4-4-2): Viera; Kromkamp, Gonzalo, Pena and Arruabarrena; Riquelme, Josico, Senna and Font; Jose Mari and Forlan.
 
We’ve had a very pleasant evening so far. With John and Geoff off to England for the Christmas festivities, they’ve given their tickets to Pauline and Helen, so the four of us, including me and Barry, went into Malaga city to see the fantastic Christmas lights (some say they are better this year than Oxford Street in London). The city is buzzing, it’s the Wednesday before Christmas and shops are open late and it’s almost a shame to leave but there is a football match on so we made our way to La Roseleda.
The blue and white striped team from Malaga win the toss and elect to play into the Fondo goal and are first to show when the fleet footed Edgar is tripped on the edge of the box in the first minute. Hidalgo has a go but Viera makes the save look easy.
In 4’ Malaga have as good a chance as they have had in many a game. Edgar has the beating of Arruabarrena and bursts into the box. His shot is parried down by Viera but only to Salva who is chasing behind. Salva has plenty of time but elects for power and blasts the ball well over.
It’s all Malaga as Villarreal have not been allowed to settle. In 5’ Kromkamp becomes the first booking for a foul on Usero.
In 10’ Alexis is penalised for a challenge on Riquelme in a dangerous position 20 yards out. The Argentinean playmaker takes the kick himself and sends in a delightful cross for Gonzalo’s head, but his effort goes well wide.
Font is next to show in 14’ with a run down the wing. He finds Riquelme with his low pass and the subsequent shot is just wide of Arnau’s far post.
Villarreal are gifted a chance in 20’ when a poor clearance from Alexis lands at Riquleme’s feet. His first time half volley has Arnau at full stretch across his goal to tip around for a corner. The set piece comes to nothing though as Gonzalo is tugging a shirt that results in him becoming the second booking of the game.
Villarreal are now in control of the game with Riquelme involved in everything. In 23’ he flights a through ball for Forlan to run onto. The blond Uruguayan strikes hard and low which Arnau can only push out. It falls to Font, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper and Arnau is able to gather the ball to his chest.
Villarreal are looking good at this point, strong and fast and always dangerous with their slick passing and movement.
Malaga try to get back into the game and Hidalgo tries a half hearted shot from well out to try and change things, but it’s high and well wide.
Some good play between Edgar, Jesus Gamez and Usero finds the latter forcing a corner. But it’s the ubiquitous Riquelme who pops up to hoof the ball clear from Hidalgo’s kick.
In 29’ Edgar, who’s having a good game on the right wing finds Salva in the box. The big striker tries to feed Hidalgo but the attacking midfielder is beaten to the ball by the out rushing Viera.
The game is swinging from end to end but it’s 35’ before the next attempt at goal. This time Senna tries from 30 yards but his dipping shot skims the top of the bar and goes over.
The next minute Edgar gets in another fine cross for Salva but Hidalgo is offside. Villarreal employ the offside trap very well, even given Edgar’s pace and ability to get to the by-line. The linesman’s flag arm is kept busy as time and again Malaga’s forwards are deemed to be offside. This must be very frustrating for the players as well as us in the stands, because Malaga had very many promising moves stopped in full flow by the linesman’s flag.
In 39’ Alexis finds himself in space in the midfield and with everybody waiting for the pass he tries a shot on goal, but it goes straight to the keeper.
In 40’ Usero becomes Malaga’s first booking for tugging Riquelme’s shirt. The number 8 takes it himself but his attempt on goal is easily caught by Arnau.
 
Halftime Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
When Malaga reappear, Usero has been substituted by Morales and Malaga go to a 4-4-2 line-up with the giant Uruguayan up alongside Salva. In the first tackle of the game, Jesus Gamez gets booked for a foul on Font.
Just as Villarreal seem to be making some headway down their left wing, Jesus Gamez intercepts a pass and bursts into the centre circle. He looks up to see Morales starting a run and sends a delightful pass into the path of the striker. He is an awesome sight in full flight, with good feet for such a big man and as he goes into the box Morales is brought down by Pena. No penalty, says the referee, prompting jeers and whistles from the home crowd.
In 49’ Villarreal make a change with Anzo coming on for Josico.
In 50’ Morales, who’s made a big impact since he came on, intercepts a pass in the centre circle and finds Edgar wide on the right. Pena moves across and brings down the Angolan. Hidalgo takes the free kick and attempts a shot but Viera punches clear.
In 53’ Morales who seems to be in the thick of everything again wins the ball in midfield. This time he finds Nacho wide on the left. The little winger rushes into the box where he is body checked by Gonzalo. No penalty says the referee, resulting in more jeers, whistles and a nice song about the referee’s mother and lack of legitimate father.
Morales giant presence and agility are causing Villarreal problems and in 56’ he again wins the ball and slips a through ball for Edgar, who runs into the box. Again the Malaga man goes down in the box; again there is an appeal for a penalty. The referee has had enough of this and produces a yellow card. Salva runs across to the referee who turns around to show him the card too. But Salva isn’t complaining to the referee, he was just trying to draw his attention to the linesman on the nearside who is flagging furiously. The referee and fifteen players go across to speak to the linesman. After some debate and a minor melee, the referee points to the penalty spot! It’s only the second penalty awarded so far this season. The first was in the first home game of the season against Espanyol when Gerardo scored. This time it’s Salva who steps up. Salva had an impressive record from the spot in his first stint at Malaga, but he doesn’t seem too confident as he steps up to take this kick. The crowd sense this and go strangely silent. It’s all bad as Salva’s weak attempt goes straight into Viera’s arms.
In 59’ Nacho, who has had a quiet game so far, comes to life on the left and ends his run with a shot that has Viera scrambling across his goal to save.
In 65’ Salva and Morales combine well in the middle of the half and again find Nacho on the left wing. The winger is brought down by Kromkamp. Hidalgo hits the free kick hard at goal and Viera brings off a fantastic save and tips it over.
In 73’ Morales bullies the Villarreal midfield again, winning the ball by his sheer presence. He again finds Nacho willing to take on the all yellow kitted team’s defence. His first shot is parried right back to him by Viera. His second shot produces another fine save from the young goalkeeper as he puts it over the bar.
In 76’ striker Lucho comes on for Font, as Villarreal try to get back into the game.
Malaga are in control and are going all out to get the goal which they deserve and which would surely win the game for them.
In 80’ Hidalgo’s pass finds Edgar on the left wing. The right winger hits his cross too hard and Morales has to chase it out to the right touchline and manages to force a corner off Arrbuarrena.
In 81’ centre back Gonzola is replaced by attacking midfielder Roger, as Villarreal think they can still snatch a win. Paco Estaban comes on for the tiring Salva.
In 83’ captain Fernando Sanz, who has strolled through the game up until this point, is outpaced by Riquelme and is booked for tugging at his shirt.
In 84’ Diego Forlan, who has been kept quiet by Fernando Sanz and the towering presence of 9’3” Cesar all game, finally gets a shot at goal. It’s a close shave for Malaga as it is only just wide of the far post.
In 86’ Morales has the chance to make a claim for a regular place in the team when he rises above the Villarreal defenders to meet Nacho’s cross, but Viera is on great form and saves brilliantly to deny the huge Uruguayan.
On 90’ our hearts are in our mouths when Riquelme makes space for a shot, but Arnau saves comfortably at the near post.
Full time Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
It was a good game, with two good footballing teams providing excellent entertainment. Unfortunately for Malaga, despite their makeshift team, they were unable to convert their overall superiority into goals and a win they so desperately need to avoid descending into the dreaded relegation zone. We now have to wait until 15 January 2006 for the next home game, which will be a second consecutive derby (after the game away to Sevilla on the 8th) against newcomers Cadiz, who incidentally also play in all yellow and also have the nickname Yellow Submarines. We may have some new faces on board by then, certainly Bovio, so your Malaga CF Correspondent is looking forward to the game already.
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:59 PM | Permalink

Wednesday 21 December 2005, 2000h kick-off, it’s 16C and the last game of the year before the Christmas break. The next game is away to Sevilla on 8 January 2006, so it’s very important for Malaga to get a good result here at home. Malaga are short of players for this important game, after the debacle in Santander on Sunday, when during the 1-1 draw with Racing, the referee saw fit to send off five players, three from the home side and Anderson and Gerardo from Malaga, who all face an automatic one game suspension. Juan Rodriguez also suffered an injury during that game and is unfit to face the Yellow Submarines.  With Miguel Angel and Juanito transferred at the beginning of the season, Romero out injured since the first game and now a further three midfielders out, it was going to be a makeshift side that Antonio Tapia would be putting out. New signing Bovio arrives from Brazil on 2 January 2006, but Tapia will be using the upcoming transfer window to bolster his side as they go into the second half of the season.
Villarreal on the other hand are enjoying their most successful period in their history. Their squad is fully fit and have successfully negotiated the first part of the Champion’s League and enter the knock out part of the competition in the New Year. They currently lie in fourth position in La Liga and are well organised, fit and quick on the counter attack. Chilean Manager, Manual Pellegrini has filled his team with South American superstars, including Riquelme, Forlan, Senna and young Argentinean goalkeeper Viera, who was wanted by Arsenal before he signed for the Yellow Subs.
Malaga are forced to field two Malaga B players to make up tonight’s team, full back Jesus Gamez and midfielder Usero. So centre back Alexis, who has played all season at right back, is pushed forward into midfield to play alongside Usero in front of the back four, as Tapia names a 4-2-3-1 line-up: Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Alexis and Usero; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.
Villarreal play a more orthodox 4-4-2 and lined up as follows: Villarreal (4-4-2): Viera; Kromkamp, Gonzalo, Pena and Arruabarrena; Riquelme, Josico, Senna and Font; Jose Mari and Forlan.
 
We’ve had a very pleasant evening so far. With John and Geoff off to England for the Christmas festivities, they’ve given their tickets to Pauline and Helen, so the four of us, including me and Barry, went into Malaga city to see the fantastic Christmas lights (some say they are better this year than Oxford Street in London). The city is buzzing, it’s the Wednesday before Christmas and shops are open late and it’s almost a shame to leave but there is a football match on so we made our way to La Roseleda.
The blue and white striped team from Malaga win the toss and elect to play into the Fondo goal and are first to show when the fleet footed Edgar is tripped on the edge of the box in the first minute. Hidalgo has a go but Viera makes the save look easy.
In 4’ Malaga have as good a chance as they have had in many a game. Edgar has the beating of Arruabarrena and bursts into the box. His shot is parried down by Viera but only to Salva who is chasing behind. Salva has plenty of time but elects for power and blasts the ball well over.
It’s all Malaga as Villarreal have not been allowed to settle. In 5’ Kromkamp becomes the first booking for a foul on Usero.
In 10’ Alexis is penalised for a challenge on Riquelme in a dangerous position 20 yards out. The Argentinean playmaker takes the kick himself and sends in a delightful cross for Gonzalo’s head, but his effort goes well wide.
Font is next to show in 14’ with a run down the wing. He finds Riquelme with his low pass and the subsequent shot is just wide of Arnau’s far post.
Villarreal are gifted a chance in 20’ when a poor clearance from Alexis lands at Riquleme’s feet. His first time half volley has Arnau at full stretch across his goal to tip around for a corner. The set piece comes to nothing though as Gonzalo is tugging a shirt that results in him becoming the second booking of the game.
Villarreal are now in control of the game with Riquelme involved in everything. In 23’ he flights a through ball for Forlan to run onto. The blond Uruguayan strikes hard and low which Arnau can only push out. It falls to Font, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper and Arnau is able to gather the ball to his chest.
Villarreal are looking good at this point, strong and fast and always dangerous with their slick passing and movement.
Malaga try to get back into the game and Hidalgo tries a half hearted shot from well out to try and change things, but it’s high and well wide.
Some good play between Edgar, Jesus Gamez and Usero finds the latter forcing a corner. But it’s the ubiquitous Riquelme who pops up to hoof the ball clear from Hidalgo’s kick.
In 29’ Edgar, who’s having a good game on the right wing finds Salva in the box. The big striker tries to feed Hidalgo but the attacking midfielder is beaten to the ball by the out rushing Viera.
The game is swinging from end to end but it’s 35’ before the next attempt at goal. This time Senna tries from 30 yards but his dipping shot skims the top of the bar and goes over.
The next minute Edgar gets in another fine cross for Salva but Hidalgo is offside. Villarreal employ the offside trap very well, even given Edgar’s pace and ability to get to the by-line. The linesman’s flag arm is kept busy as time and again Malaga’s forwards are deemed to be offside. This must be very frustrating for the players as well as us in the stands, because Malaga had very many promising moves stopped in full flow by the linesman’s flag.
In 39’ Alexis finds himself in space in the midfield and with everybody waiting for the pass he tries a shot on goal, but it goes straight to the keeper.
In 40’ Usero becomes Malaga’s first booking for tugging Riquelme’s shirt. The number 8 takes it himself but his attempt on goal is easily caught by Arnau.
 
Halftime Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
When Malaga reappear, Usero has been substituted by Morales and Malaga go to a 4-4-2 line-up with the giant Uruguayan up alongside Salva. In the first tackle of the game, Jesus Gamez gets booked for a foul on Font.
Just as Villarreal seem to be making some headway down their left wing, Jesus Gamez intercepts a pass and bursts into the centre circle. He looks up to see Morales starting a run and sends a delightful pass into the path of the striker. He is an awesome sight in full flight, with good feet for such a big man and as he goes into the box Morales is brought down by Pena. No penalty, says the referee, prompting jeers and whistles from the home crowd.
In 49’ Villarreal make a change with Anzo coming on for Josico.
In 50’ Morales, who’s made a big impact since he came on, intercepts a pass in the centre circle and finds Edgar wide on the right. Pena moves across and brings down the Angolan. Hidalgo takes the free kick and attempts a shot but Viera punches clear.
In 53’ Morales who seems to be in the thick of everything again wins the ball in midfield. This time he finds Nacho wide on the left. The little winger rushes into the box where he is body checked by Gonzalo. No penalty says the referee, resulting in more jeers, whistles and a nice song about the referee’s mother and lack of legitimate father.
Morales giant presence and agility are causing Villarreal problems and in 56’ he again wins the ball and slips a through ball for Edgar, who runs into the box. Again the Malaga man goes down in the box; again there is an appeal for a penalty. The referee has had enough of this and produces a yellow card. Salva runs across to the referee who turns around to show him the card too. But Salva isn’t complaining to the referee, he was just trying to draw his attention to the linesman on the nearside who is flagging furiously. The referee and fifteen players go across to speak to the linesman. After some debate and a minor melee, the referee points to the penalty spot! It’s only the second penalty awarded so far this season. The first was in the first home game of the season against Espanyol when Gerardo scored. This time it’s Salva who steps up. Salva had an impressive record from the spot in his first stint at Malaga, but he doesn’t seem too confident as he steps up to take this kick. The crowd sense this and go strangely silent. It’s all bad as Salva’s weak attempt goes straight into Viera’s arms.
In 59’ Nacho, who has had a quiet game so far, comes to life on the left and ends his run with a shot that has Viera scrambling across his goal to save.
In 65’ Salva and Morales combine well in the middle of the half and again find Nacho on the left wing. The winger is brought down by Kromkamp. Hidalgo hits the free kick hard at goal and Viera brings off a fantastic save and tips it over.
In 73’ Morales bullies the Villarreal midfield again, winning the ball by his sheer presence. He again finds Nacho willing to take on the all yellow kitted team’s defence. His first shot is parried right back to him by Viera. His second shot produces another fine save from the young goalkeeper as he puts it over the bar.
In 76’ striker Lucho comes on for Font, as Villarreal try to get back into the game.
Malaga are in control and are going all out to get the goal which they deserve and which would surely win the game for them.
In 80’ Hidalgo’s pass finds Edgar on the left wing. The right winger hits his cross too hard and Morales has to chase it out to the right touchline and manages to force a corner off Arrbuarrena.
In 81’ centre back Gonzola is replaced by attacking midfielder Roger, as Villarreal think they can still snatch a win. Paco Estaban comes on for the tiring Salva.
In 83’ captain Fernando Sanz, who has strolled through the game up until this point, is outpaced by Riquelme and is booked for tugging at his shirt.
In 84’ Diego Forlan, who has been kept quiet by Fernando Sanz and the towering presence of 9’3” Cesar all game, finally gets a shot at goal. It’s a close shave for Malaga as it is only just wide of the far post.
In 86’ Morales has the chance to make a claim for a regular place in the team when he rises above the Villarreal defenders to meet Nacho’s cross, but Viera is on great form and saves brilliantly to deny the huge Uruguayan.
On 90’ our hearts are in our mouths when Riquelme makes space for a shot, but Arnau saves comfortably at the near post.
Full time Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
It was a good game, with two good footballing teams providing excellent entertainment. Unfortunately for Malaga, despite their makeshift team, they were unable to convert their overall superiority into goals and a win they so desperately need to avoid descending into the dreaded relegation zone. We now have to wait until 15 January 2006 for the next home game, which will be a second consecutive derby (after the game away to Sevilla on the 8th) against newcomers Cadiz, who incidentally also play in all yellow and also have the nickname Yellow Submarines. We may have some new faces on board by then, certainly Bovio, so your Malaga CF Correspondent is looking forward to the game already.
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:59 PM | Permalink

Whew, it was hot on Sunday for the 17:00h kick off at La Roseleda. Bright, sunny, no wind, 30C, the groundsmen had the sprinklers on right up the point when the two sets of players emerged from the long blue tunnel onto the pitch, causing a flurry of activity amongst the pitchside photographers (who had scurried away when the showers of water cascaded over them) to get back to their favoured positions.
Last week's away victory at Levante all but took the last worries of possible relegation away from Malaga, the only goal of the game coming after a long throw-in from the right touchline from Gerardo, which bounced off knees and thighs before landing in front of Baiano, who almost blew a hole the roof of the net with his powerful volley from 6 yards. Tapia has had an enforced change to his normal line-up with the injury to Juan Rodriguez, sustained in the previous home game against Barcelona. Last week, he introduced hot prospect Alexis at right back, pushing Gerardo upfield into the right wing berth. The youngster played well enough, but was out of his natural centreback position. So this week, Gerardo resumes at right back and the pacy Portuguese winger, Edgar, gets his chance to show Tapia what he can do.
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau, Gerardo, Cesar, Fernando Sanz, Valcarce, Juanito and Romero, Edgar, Miguel Angel and Duda, Baiano.
Today's visitors, Villarreal (the yellow submarines) are very strong opposition and currently lie in fourth position in the table, with three games to go after this one. The top four clubs in Spain automatically qualify for the Champion's League proper, so the team with the third best defensive record (behind Barcelona and Real Madrid) are looking for the win which will keep them in this position. The goals have been coming from Riquelme and Forlan, who between them have scored 33 of the 59 goals scored in the league so far. The South American pairing, bringing the flair of the Argentinean midfielder with the striking power of the Uruguayan forward, has been made possible by the loan of the striker this year from Manchester United, where he failed to impress Alex Ferguson sufficiently last year to gain a regular place in the Red's team. This year Forlan is Spain's second top scorer behind Eto'o of Barcelona. Villarreal, managed by another Argentine Manuel Pelligrini, play an attractive, close passing game in a direct 4-4-2 formation. Celtic fans will remember how they were dumped out of Europe by this team last year.
Villarreal (4-4-2): Reina, Armando Sa, Gonzalo, Quique Alvarez and Arruabarrena, Josico, Marco Senna, Sorin and Riquelme, Lucha and Forlan.

Villarreal win the toss and Malaga kick off defending the Fondo end. We only have to wait 2 minutes for the first attack and it's from Malaga. Duda collects the ball from Juanito in the centre circle and slips the ball into the left wing channel where Valcarce is overlapping. The little fullback's cross is too deep though, as it misses both Baiano and Edgars' runs into the box.
Villarreal's first attempt comes in 8' when perseverance from Forlan wins the ball off Valcarce down their right wing. His inch perfect pass finds playmaker Marco Senna but his shot goes well wide.
Malaga come close in 12' when the lively Baiano intercepts a pass from Gonzalo with his back to goal. He spins on a sixpence and sends in snap shot which just skims past the outside of the near post.
It is all Malaga and in their next attack, Miguel Angel puts in a defence splitting pass for Edgar to run onto. The Portuguese winger is clean through and Riena has to run off his line to hoof the ball off Edgar's feet and into the upper tier of the stand.
In an effort to alleviate the remorseless attacking on his already beleaguered defence, in the 14th minute, Marco Senna, with all his other options closed down by the Malaga defence, starts a run through the middle. Romero moves into tackle him and he falls over. The referee books Romero.
Still it's Malaga who are showing and this time it's Edgar who picks up a pass from Romero and starts off on a run down the right wing. His pace and determination take him past three defenders, but with Miguel Angel and Baiano running into the box, Edgar fails to get in a good cross.
Baiano forces the first corner of the match in 18' on the left, but Reina easily collects Duda's kick. The big goalkeeper, one of the best in Spain, elects to go Route 1, as the Malaga defence scramble back after the corner. He finds Lucha on his own, one on one with Arnau and for an anxious moment looked certain to score. But the Malaga keeper, out of contract this summer and interesting Tottenham Hotspur, makes a great block and clears the danger.
In 19' Duda is brought down by Marco Senna on the left and his free kick finds Baiano, who hooks a first time shot at goal. The ball strikes the crossbar with Reina beaten.
It's an impressive start from the home team and visitors have to resort to some fine short passing and possession play to try to take the sting out of Malaga's persistent attacks.
With no way through against Malaga's tight defence, in 25' Reina again opts for Route 1 with another long kick out his goal. Again Lucha is alert and again there is some panic at the back as Valcarce has to concede Villarreal's first corner. Riquelme's kick is headed clear by Fernando Sanz.
Baiano is showing commitment and invention up front and wins the ball after harrying Quique Alverez. On his own, he runs at the goal but has to pass back to find support. Romero collects the ball but gives it away to Sorin.
In 29' Villarreal make their first substitution as the long haired Sorin is withdrawn and Calleja takes his place.
With this change, Villarreal start to take control of the midfield and now it is Malaga's turn to keep possession along the back four as there is just no way forward past the tightly marking Villarreal team. In 34' Josico finally loses control and fouls Romero in an attempt to win back possession. He is rewarded with a booking from the referee.
In 37' Gerardo tries a long throw from the left. He finds Duda but the little Portuguese winger's attempt is high and wide.
In 41' Baiano dispossesses Riquelme on the left and makes a run down the wing. He is supported by Duda who receives Baiano's pass inside and hits a thunderbolt towards goal. It looks goal bound into the top right hand corner when Reina makes a first class save diving full length across goal. The big keeper manages to get a finger tip to the ball and push it onto the crossbar and away.
Half time Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
The groundsmen again switch on the sprinklers during the interval in the heat of the Sunday afternoon. There is very little shade in the ground which has very little in the way of enclosures or cover (this is the second season in a row in which I have not encountered any rain at all at any home game).
In 48', Forlan, who has been kept very quiet by the imposing defence of the giant Cesar and quick Fernando Sanz, has his first try at goal, but it's weak and goes straight into Arnau's waiting arms.
In 52' it's Forlan again and this time he is closer with his snapshot rasping past the far post.
The next minute and Malaga win a free kick, which Duda takes quickly. Baiano makes the run into the box but Reina manages to scoop the ball of the Brazilian's head.
Malaga have had the bulk of the play, possession and look the most menacing, having had the two closest efforts so far, both coming off the crossbar and Reina has been by far the busiest keeper. However, the entire game turns in the next few minutes. In 55 minutes, Calleja, who has been very energetic in midfield since coming on as a substitute, makes space for himself about 30 yards out. He sends in a shot which has Arnau scrambling to his left and smothering before the onrushing Forlan can get to the loose ball. This is what Geoff and I were watching. As Arnau gets back to his feet, we realise that the referee is reaching for a card. It's yellow, quickly followed by a red and Romero is sent off! We did not see any offence and can only guess that perhaps Romero had made a late tackle on Calleja - who knows? Romero had been previously booked in the 14th minute so was sent off for a second bookable offence. So, for the second home game running, Malaga find themselves down to 10 men with more than half an hour to go.
Riquelme takes the free kick but it goes well over.
In 59' Edgar is dumped on the edge of the box whilst running in on goal. No booking or red card, although the Malaga fans scream loudly enough at the referee. Duda takes the kick and it's beaten Reina all ends up and comes back off the crossbar! Third time the bar has been struck.
In 62' The play moves up to the other end where RIQUELME hits a speculatative shot through a crowded penalty area and with Arnau unsighted, the ball enters the net at the near post.
Malaga 0 Villarreal 1
Two minutes later and Villarreal go two up. In the 65th minute, CALLEJA, who has made a big impact on this game since his introduction in the 29th minute, again finds himself some space 30 yards out. There appears to be no danger but he hits a sweet curving shot which bends away from Arnau and into the net in the top left corner.
Malaga 0 Villarreal 2
For a team hardly at the races, they are now two up against ten men!
Malaga make a double substitution immediately. Baiano and Edgar go off to be replaced by Michel and Wanchope. The lanky Costarican goes right up front in direct replacement for Baiano, but Miguel Angel moves wide right to allow Michel the central midfield berth, with Juanito, the lone anchor in front of defence.
Malaga's ten men still look the most menacing and purposeful and Michel seems very comfortable in the centre of midfield as Malaga regain their grip of the game. Juanito finds Duda wide on the left in the 71st minutes and the diminutive winger sprints into the box and hits a rasping shot from 7 yards, which beats Reina yet again, but comes off the .................... crossbar! Fourth time!
In 75' Duda is replaced by Tote. There is still a feeling that if Malaga can get one back, they could still have a chance of taking something from this game, as, even with 10 men, they seem to have the upper hand.
In 77', the quiet Forlan is replaced by big midfielder Hector Font, as Villarreal try to hang on.
The tactic seems to be paying off as Villarreal's tight possession and close, one-touch passing, stifle Malaga's threat.
In 86' Marco Senna is replaced by Pena.
In 90' Wanchope has a great chance for a consolation as Michel's centre finds the 8'2" striker alone in front of goal, but he shoots tamely at Reina, who gathers the ball easily.
Full time: Malaga 0 Villarreal 2

Seems like the story of the season. Malaga played well enough, made enough chances to win the game, matched supposedly superior opposition across the park and end up losing. You have to believe that all that is missing is a lethal striker to convert some of these chances and half chances and Malaga would be several positions up the table and challenging for some sort of honours. However, with three games to go - away to Real Sociedad, home to Racing Santander and away to local rivals Sevilla in the last game, we will have to wait until next season.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 4:51 PM | Permalink