From the outset Antonio Contreras’ girls were the superior side. Natalia and Kuc came close to early goals in minutes 1 and 2, but it was Málaga-born María Ruiz who put MCFF in front with her usual opportunism (1-0, 4’). Benfica narrowly missed an equaliser in 12’ with a shot from Carla that collided with the crossbar.
In 19’ Celia Ruano substituted Kuc on the Malaguista attack, who abandoned play due to injury. The striker, no sooner had she joined the game, showed her scoring ability by surpassing the rival keeper (2-0, 24’). Natalia, another one of the new incorporations, scored the third goal following a pass from team captain Adriana (3-0, 33’). Immediately afterwards, Celia scored her second goal, finishing an action by María Ruiz with amazing effectiveness (4-0, 35’).
Benfica only appeared just before half-time, but two impressive saves by Chelsea prevented the Portuguese outfit from getting on the scoreboard.
Antonio Contreras introduced a practically new line-up in the second half, which was marked by less pace and fewer chances for MCFFV, against a Portuguese squad that didn’t disturb the goal defended by Stefany and Hoyas in this half.
Míriam, suffering with injury discomfort, returned in 54’. Shiv was the most active Malaguista seeking powerful verticality on the left. Celia came close to a hat trick in 83’, and just before, Benfica didn’t make the most of an opportunity to score the goal of honour. As such, the first Trofeo Costa del Sol femenino stays at home with a well-deserved 4-0 win for MCFF.
Málaga CF selected the following players for this game: Chelsea (Stefany 46’ – Hoyas 78’); Encarni (Shiv 46’), Cazalla (Postigo 46’), Ruth (Mayara 46’), Leti (Farfán 72’); María Ruiz (Minori 46’), Raquel (Pamela 46’), Dominika (Míriam 46’ – Cazalla 54’), Natalia (Mascaró 46’); Armisa Kuc (Celia 19’) and Adriana (Natalia 72’).
(*) See photo gallery here
