Málaga CF qualified to the Champions Cup for being the best second-placed team of the seven groups within the División de Honor Juvenil. They played the first match against Athletic Club de Bilbao, which they won on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Both teams scored in a closely fought game, in which Kuki put the Malaguistas in front in minute 47. The under-18s international converted a clearance from the rival goalkeeper, after a good shot from Ontiveros. The Bilbao-based side went on to equalise in minute 75.
After extra time, in which neither team could overcome the rival defence, there was a penalty shoot-out. Both teams had to launch up to seven penalties to clinch the tie. Luck finally landed on the Malaguista side, and Sergio Pellicer’s boys qualified to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup, taking place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Las Viñas Municipal Stadium in Vera, against UD Las Palmas.
