The ‘Malaguista’ reserve team opened the scoring in the first half with a great goal from Rufo. An equaliser from Rafa Payán in minute 74 and another from Vitu in the first minute of stoppage time, sealed the local side’s victory.
Salva Ballesta’s boys put on a determined display from kick off and controlled ball possession, despite an experienced Linares not making it easy for them. Both teams created numerous chances, but it was Rufo who regained possession in the penalty area and put Malagueño on the score board in the 20th minute. Linares coach, Torres, was sent off in minute 29 after protesting against the referee and his assistant.
The local side took the reins of the game in the second half, maintaining a strong attack around Toni’s goal area. A header from Rafa Payán levelled up the score board, but the Blue and Whites continued in their quest for another goal. A chance arose for Deco, but the ball hit the post, however it was Vitu who got the next goal, smashing the ball through Toni Casamayor’s defence in the first minute of stoppage time.
This defeat has knocked Atlético Malagueño off the group top spot, although with the same number of points as the next rival, Marbella FC, who defeated Español del Alquián by 2-0 last weekend.
Match stats:
Linares Deportivo: Lopito, Luque, Fran (Viloseca 69’), Chico, Cristobal, Vicente (Siku 55’), Corpas (Ventaja 55’), Javi Quesada, Vitu, Payán and Higinio.
At. Malagueño: Toni, Jurado, Víctor Ruiz, Cristian (Iván Márquez, 80’), Mosquera, Rafa, Ernesto, Marrufo, Pedro Mérida (Mauri, 56’), Rufo (Deco, 70’) and Juanpi.
The referee awarded yellow cards to Vicente (18’), Corpás (23’) Chico (25’) and Ventaja (60’) from Linares, and the ‘Malaguistas’; Mosquera (33’), Víctor Ruiz (54’) and Ernesto (63’). Linares coach, Torres, was sent off for protesting against the referee.