Málaga CF were presented in front of their fans at La Rosaleda tonight, in the Trofeo Costa del Sol against SS Lazio. The Malaguistas tried until the end to clinch a home win, but a goal from Immobile in minute 54, and a great performance by Strakosha in goal, prevented the locals from maintaining their title.
Míchel’s men were determined to impose their style of play tonight from the outset. Jony created the first opportunity to open the scoring after three minutes. Borja Bastón levelled a strong pass between the lines on the edge of the area, but the winger was unable to connect successfully, and the move was anticipated by the rival keeper.
Just seven minutes later, Borja Bastón headed a superb pass from Rosales on the right, but the shot sailed mere centimetres over the crossbar.
The Italian rival launched their attack, with Marusic trying his luck with a long shot that came up against Roberto’s reflexes. The Malaguista goalkeeper flew to the edge of the post to deflect the tight shot.
The local side continued to knock on Lazio’s door in search of a goal. Adrían propelled the ball from inside the area to convert a promising pass from Juankar from the left in the 34th minute, however keeper, Strakosha stopped his team conceding a goal.
Team captain, Recio came up with the last chance for the Malaguistas in the first half, in minute 38. The number ‘14’ tried to shoot from inside the area from a difficult perspective, but opponent, Parolo stole possession at the last second.
The Italians tried to get on the scoreboard just before the half-time whistle via Keita, but didn’t manage to find the net.
The score stayed at 0-0 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, both sides sought ball possession in midfield, arriving at the rival areas with fluidity. Rosales dared to shoot with his left foot in front of the target, but the ball went high, only a few centimetres above the crossbar (0-0, minute 46’).
Following various minutes of back and forth between both teams, Immobile put the visitors in the lead, outwitting Roberto to net a goal (0-1 minute 54).
In the 60th minute, Míchel brought on En-Nesyri, Keko and Juanpi in place of Borja Bastón, Mula and Kuzmanovic, ending with nearly all the players having a chance to play. In minute 74, Cifu, Mikel, Chory, Cecchini, Diego, José Carlos and Robles stepped on to the field of play.
After the carousel of changes, the “new Málaga” interpreted the same script as before. Following a corner, Diego sent a powerful header out in the 83rd minute, whilst En-Nesyri attempted to equalise in 86’ with an impressive shot inside the area. Again, Strakosha put paid to Malaguista hopes.
At full-time, the scoreboard showed 0-1. Despite Málaga CF trying until the end, SS Lazio are proclaimed champions of the XXXIII edition of the Trofeo Costa del Sol.
