For yet another year, Málaga CF enjoyed a summer afternoon at the Marbella Football Center to continue their preparations prior to the start of the domestic competition. On this occasion, the lads were up against a great rival, First Division side Unión Deportiva Almería led by Vicente Moreno.
Following the Blue and White debut in Coín against Marbella FC, Pellicer's men returned to action once again. For this match, the Malaguista team debuted their alternative kit, combining yellow, green and fuchsia. Pellicer’s starting line-up consisted of: Alfonso Herrero; Jokin, Juande, Einar, Murillo; Genaro, Luca Sangalli, Dani Lorenzo; Cristian, Dioni and Alex Calvo.
Almería got off to a good start. First, a shot from Embarba that went wide and, later, forcing Alfonso to go all out and stay strong against a shot that he deflected with his shoulder.
Pellicer’s men also tried their best. Einar moved behind Centelles and connected with Jokin, who entered the area, although he wasn’t able to find any of his teammates and forced a corner.
The one and only goal of the match arrived in the 18th minute. Dani Lorenzo cut through the midfield, Dioni drove to the front to assist Cristian, who outwitted Mariño with a powerful cross shot (0-1). Málaga's first goal of the pre-season.
In minute 21 Alfonso intervened again, preventing a one-on-one against Luis Suárez. Despite this, Málaga held firm and didn’t suffer for the rest of the first half. The scoreboard remained the same, with Málaga CF 0-1 in front.
In the second half, unlike in the pre-season debut, Málaga didn’t change the entire 11. Juanpe, Kevin and Roberto entered at the start of the second half in place of Dioni, Dani Lorenzo and Cristian.
Almería came out more impetuous and piled the pressure on the Malaguistas. Despite this, the team came out with verticality thanks to Kevin, Roberto and Álex Calvo.
In the 56th minute, the Red and Whites had their best chance to go level thanks to Embarba. The attacker launched a powerful shot but a magnificent save by Alfonso deflected the ball. Málaga endured the local energy and pace. However, with the changes to both teams, the game opened up again, although without notable occasions.
There were no goals in the second half and Málaga achieved their first pre-season victory against an elite rival.
Without having conceded any goals in either of their two pre-season matches, Málaga will face a new week of work with the excitement of the return of the Costa del Sol Cup. Next Saturday, 5th August the Blue and Whites will host Antequera CF at La Rosaleda (20:30).
