Málaga CF and UD Las Palmas locked horns in the semi-final of the ‘juvenil’ Champions Cup on Wednesday, at Las Viñas municipal stadium in Vera (Almería). The match kicked off without clear dominance from either rival, both fought for possession and goal opportunities in the first half. The clearest chance was for Malaguista striker, Nesyri who crashed the ball into the wood following a good individual display mid-way through the first half. After various minutes of back and forth, Luis Muñoz tipped the balance in Málaga’s favour, putting them 1-0 in front in minute 33, making the most of clearance inside the area. The action was preceded by an impressive show from the central, taken over from Nesyri with a good shot blocked by the rival keeper. Sergio Pellicer’s boys began to feel more settled following the goal.
After half-time, the script of the first 45 minutes was repeated. The two teams alternated ball possession and goal approaches. Following a period of trial and error, Ontiveros saw the goalkeeper was forward in minute 68 and launched a shot from midfield to score a spectacular goal securing a definitive 2-0 lead. The remainder of play was somewhat heavy, and also rough at times. The referee sent off Arturo in minute 76 after he protested a ref decision, along with Luis Muñoz in minute 85, who aggravated a rival player in an action without the ball.
MCF’s Juvenil team from the Academy will face Sevilla FC in the final of the Champions Cup, on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Las Viñas municipal stadium.
MATCH STATS
UD LAS PALMAS: Juan Carlos, Jesús, Arisay (Lionel 80'), Carlos Quintana, Fabio, "Flaco" Martín (C), Aythami, Vega (Yeray 70'), "Facu" Pérez (Javier Siverio 57'), Carlos González (Jeremy 89') and "Jony Viera".
MÁLAGA CF SAD: Samu, Ramos, Damián, Luis, Gabri, Arturo (C), Ontiveros (Suli Lamrany 90'), Castillo (Álex 71'), Nesyri (David 61'), Kuki Zalazar and Santi (Jony 93').
GOALS: 0-1 Luis (33'), 0-2 Ontiveros (67').
REFEREES: Patrick Marvin Bewernick, Jaramillo Mirena, Muñoz Arjona and Salcedo Marín. Yellow cards were shown to UD Las Palmas players: Aythami, Jairo; and a red for Jonathan (double yellow) and Lionel. Málaga CF players shown the yellow card were: Francisco Castillo, David Ramos, Gabri and Santi; and a red for Arturo (double yellow) and Luis Muñoz.
INFORMATION: Second semi-final of the XXII Champions Cup, held at Las Viñas municipal stadium in Vera, Almería.
