Málaga CF lose last pre-season match at Villa Park (3-2)
Málaga CF was defeated by Aston Villa FC in the Blue and Whites’ last pre-season game, by 3-2. Bernd Schuster’s men improved as the match went on. This afternoon’s game saw Chen make his debut, Weligton injured and a good performance by Pawlowski.
Málaga CF’s last match before the start of the League competition next weekend against Valencia CF, took place at one of the best stadiums in Europe, Villa Park. Schuster made some changes to his starting-11, which saw the inclusion of Sergi Darder and Pawlowski.
The first goal opportunity of the game came in the 5th minute for the ‘Malaguistas’. A pass from Fabrice on the left wing opened up a chance for Pawlowski who launched a powerful shot at goal, but unfortunately missed the target.
Villa’s Benteke took advantage of a moment of weakness from the Blue and Whites and managed to crash through Willy’s defence to open up the scoring. Weligton sustained an injury after the goal and was forced to leave the pitch suffering with a fractured collarbone. He was substituted by Roberto Chen, making his debut with the Blue and Whites.
Aston Villa were very comfortable on the pitch and a second goal soon followed. Defender, Vlaar headed the ball into the net following a corner kick, to put the locals 2-0 in the lead.
Málaga were determined to retaliate following Villa’s two goals. In minute 25, a long ball to Santa Cruz left him unmarked in front of Guzan, but the local defence prevented the goal and committed a foul on the Paraguayan-born striker that the referee didn’t see.
A chance for Benteke in minute 29 was stopped by Angeleri, and a penalty was awarded to the local side. Benteke took the penalty and put Villa 3-0 up.
A fantastic performance by Pawlowski saw Málaga appear on the scoreboard in the 41st minute of play. Crashing through three Villa defenders, the new Polish-born ‘Malaguista’ reached the goal line, and whilst attempting to stop the visitors scoring, Okore got an own goal. Santa Cruz then missed a promising header following an Antunes free kick just before half time.
Málaga CF was much more determined in the second half, moving much better around the pitch and showing good combinative play upfront. However they still didn’t cause too much trouble for Aston Villa. A good pass from Tissone to Pawlowski in minute 56 saw him unmarked in front of Guzan’s goal area, but the keeper had little trouble in preventing the goal, and a corner kick was granted.
In minute 60 Pawlowski came close to scoring Málaga’s second goal. Following a strong ball from the right wing, he launched a shot at goal that collided with the near post. A minute later, Sergi Darder gained possession from Fabrice and smashed the ball into the back of the net. Málaga were playing much better football in the second half, and their improvement was reflected on the scoreboard. Schuster’s men were intent on equalising, and a subsequent foul on Portillo should have resulted in a penalty, but the English referee didn’t award it.
The ‘Malaguistas’ were more creative on the attack, particularly Pawlowski, Fabrice and Roque Santa Cruz. They narrowly missed an equaliser before the full time whistle.
Bernd Schuster’s men were defeated in their least pre-season game, although they showed great improvement as the match progressed. The Blue and Whites are now focused on the first BBVA League match of the season against Valencia CF at the Mestalla on Saturday.
ASTON VILLA FC: Guzan, Vlaar, Okore, El Ahmadi, Weimann, Agbonlahor (Baker, min. 76), Luna (Bennet, min. 76), Delph, Benteke (Westwood, min. 76), Tonev (Helenius, min. 76) and Lowton.
MÁLAGA CF: Caballero, Jesús Gámez, Angeleri, Weligton (Chen, min. 14), Antunes, Portillo (Morales, min. 66), Pawlowsky, Sergi Darder, Tissone (Camacho, min. 78), Fabrice (Duda, min. 78) and Santa Cruz (Samu, min. 82).
GOALS:
1-0: Benteke (min. 12).
2-0: Vlaar (min. 20).
3-0: Benteke (min. 30).
3-1: Okore pp. (min. 41).
3-2: Sergi Darder (min. 61).
REFEREE: M. Atkinson (England). Yellow cards were awarded to Angeleri (min. 29), Chen (min. 64) and Sergi Darder (min. 68).
INFORMATION: Málaga CF’s last pre-season match held at Villa Park, in front of 22,000 fans. Málaga CF played in the second away strip; orange shirt with white sleeves, black shorts and orange socks. Panama-born Roberto Chen made his debut this afternoon with the Blue and Whites.
