Málaga CF will face Córdoba CF this Saturday 7th September on matchday 4 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION. At 21:00 the Estadio Nuevo Arcángel will host this thrilling Andalusian derby, where the charming town of Igualeja will take centre stage, appearing in the design of the match poster and on the armband of the Blue and White captain.
The municipality of Igualeja, nestled in the Serranía de Ronda region, rises between the ravines and pines that shape the Genal Valley. This picturesque village, surrounded by chestnut forests, stands as a natural viewpoint offering unparalleled views of the vast surrounding green beauty.
Once part of the Takuranda cora during the Arab era, the town became a lordship under Infante Don Juan following the Reconquista, falling under the jurisdiction of Ronda. Upon the death of the Infante and, later, his widow, the town returned to the Crown, fading into the mists of history.
Igualeja, hidden among mountains and beside the Genal River, is a village where steep, winding streets climb and descend, creating a labyrinth of whitewashed houses that defy time. In the heart of the town, the parish church was built in the 16th century by order of Archbishop Diego de Deza. Although it has been renovated over the centuries, its tower, once the minaret of an ancient mosque, remains a symbol of Igualeja's living history. Inside, sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries preserve the soul of this place, where memory and faith intertwine in an eternal embrace.
The via ferrata is the ideal destination for sports and adventure enthusiasts. Climbing its steep walls offers an exciting challenge while enjoying breathtaking views and direct contact with nature. It’s an experience that combines adrenaline and beauty in a unique setting.
Igualeja's cuisine is a tribute to the traditional flavours of the Genal Valley. In spring, stews are enriched with wild herbs like tagarninas and wild asparagus, while serrano pots, chickpea stews, and a wide variety of sausages are enjoyed year-round. The local pastries, with their Moorish heritage, blend flour, sugar, and olive oil with cinnamon and sesame, creating sweets that feel like a gentle embrace of nostalgia and flavour.
In Igualeja, the festivities carry a special charm that transforms the rhythm of the year. March 12 and August 23 are dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great and the Virgin Saint Rose of Lima. Holy Week and Corpus Christi in La Plaza, along with the "Octava del Señor" in La Calleja, foster a deep spiritual and community connection.
José Luis Puche, with his unparalleled mastery, brings to life the captain's armband and the match poster for the game against Córdoba CF. His art once again captures the essence of Málaga’s municipalities, turning each design into a faithful reflection of our land.
In this piece, Puche immortalises the Natural Monument Nacimiento del Río Genal, the iconic spring that breathes life into the Igualeja valley, a place where the earth opens to reveal its purest secret. In the aquifer of Sierra Blanca, water bursts forth with vitality from a crack in the rock, emerging as a gift from nature. The artist’s design captures that magical moment when the river is born, with its crystal-clear, lively waters dancing in a fresh, natural landscape.
Regarding the armband, the first of the season that the Málaga captain will wear, it features Blue and White lines symbolising the pulse and heartbeat of all Malaguista fans, reflecting their passion. At the centre, the club shield and the municipality are framed by two interlocking circles, forming an infinity symbol that represents the boundless affection between the two.