The game got off to an equal start. Little by little the Blue and Whites’ reserve team took control of the ball to set the rhythm of the first half. For his part, visitors’ coach, Tello focused on a five-strong defensive line and his team waited on the counter-attack, however the first opportunity for the ‘Malaguistas’ was immediate. It was following play from Iván on the right wing that the El Palo-born defender sent to a corner. The corner kick went long towards the far post outside the area, allowing Mula in minute 6 to hook a volley that went high.
After this near miss from the ‘Malaguistas’, Ayrton, Deco and Mula continued to control play in midfield during the first half. A fortuitous clash in minute 18 between Moreno and Alexis was resolved by the referee’s decision to show the yellow card to both players.
Moreno had a few more chances to open the scoring, as did Iván for the ‘Malaguistas’, along with Jesule for the visitors, however the score board didn’t move before half-time.
El Palo took a step forward in the second half. The visitors upped the defensive line and circled the ‘Malaguista’ area in a more dangerous way than before. Precisely in the best moment of play for Tello’s team – minute 57 – an impressive display from Kuki served up a good ball for Alberto on the wing who went on to score the first goal of the match. The winger powered the ball into the back of the net, between the legs of the El Palo keeper.
Being a goal up allowed the Blue and Whites to gain ground on the rival, arriving at the goal area much more. A shot from the left wing to the far post in the 71st minute was converted by an unmarked Pedro, to put the locals 2-0 in the lead.
The player scored just 30 seconds after stepping on to the pitch in place of Mula. El Palo began to strengthen its defence being two goals down, but was shown two yellow cards; one for Jesule for a tackle from behind on his former teammate, Jaime Moreno, and another for Juanjo for a collision.
A good combination on the counter-attack by Kuki in minute 81 led to the third local goal. A pass from the ‘Malaguista’ number 10 left Ontiveros unmarked inside the area, to launch a beautiful shot into goal, outwitting the rival goalkeeper.
With a 3-0 lead it looked as though it was all over, but a defensive error by the Blue and Whites permitted Cardellino to assist Falu to score a good goal from the far post.
The local derby ended with a 3-1 win for the ‘Malaguistas’, in an equal game. Atlético Malagueño coach, Manel Ruano, says: “We’re very pleased, it was a difficult game against a tough rival in front of so many fans, and whenever they use these strategies against us, it’s tough.”