The Blue and Whites got into the match little by little, against a solid Castellón in the wide area of the pitch and in defence. Following the first 15 minutes of back and forth, Malaguista winger, Iván Rodríguez sustained injury and was substituted by Pedro Montero. Midway through the first half, Kuki Zalazar appeared, with two venomous shots from outside the area, well-saved by rival keeper, Campos, who also prevented a long shot at the target by Javi Mérida.
Ex-MCF player, Kiko Ramírez’s Castellón shook up the local domain and made the most of their dominance in aerial play to put Aarón to the test on two occasions, who avoided rival goals on the edge of half-time with two great interventions. Despite the high temperatures, both teams showed their credentials in the final part of a passionate first half, which ended with a powerful shot by Luismi that collided with Campos’ crossbar. At half-time the result was 0-0.
In the second half, the look of the game changed completely. Ruano’s team went all out on the attack, all the time pushing back Castellón. In minute 52, Pedro launched a free kick forcing Campos to show off again. Soon after, another far post for the reserve team and again Luismi, fuelling the ball to the right post. The figure of Javi Ontiveros continued to grow on the attack, with his numerous twists and technical details.
In minute 75, the third Malaguista shot at the post arrived, with an impressive long bombshell from Pedro. Ruano subsequently brought on Zelu and Mauri, and it was precisely Mauri that could have won the tie for the locals, with a close-range shot at goal in minute 86, deflected by the omnipresent Castellón keeper, Campos. Malagueño, with La Rosaleda behind them, went all out in search for a goal in any way possible, but it wasn’t to be. Castellón made the most of their 2-1 victory in Castalia, the overall result in a highly-fought tie.
At the final whistle, it was joy for the visitors and sorrow for the home side, but also the recognition of followers for the young Malaguista team, who received a standing ovation after giving their all to win the tie and qualify to the final round of Second B play-offs. After a great season, MCF’s reserve team will remain in the Third Division for another year.
Match stats: At. Malagueño 0 - CD Castellón 0
At. Malagueño – Manel Ruano: Aarón; Iván (Pedro 18’), Javi Mérida, Calero, Alberto López; Mula, Deco, Luismi (Zelu 76’), Ontiveros; Kuki (Mauri 76’) and Jaime Moreno.
CD Castellón – Kiko Ramírez: Campos; Luismi, Juanfran, Arturo, Guille, Carlos López, Dani Pujol (Meseguer 56’), Castells, Jesús, Ebwelle (Juanra 88’) and Marenya (Jorge 70’).
Goals: None.
Referee: Sergio Alcalá Yáñez (Ceuta). Yellow cards were shown to local players; Deco and Kuki; and from the visitors; Juanfran, Marenya and Castells.
Information: La Rosaleda stadium, in front of around 7,000 fans on a very warm day. The return leg (first leg, Castellón won by 2-1) of the second round of Second Division B play-offs. Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Pepe Cardona, who was a member of the Club’s medical services.
