It was a frosty night in the Spanish capital on which, as always, there was a good representation of Malaguista followers in the stands. On the pitch, there were several changes to the starting-11 in all lines compared to the previous league game in Eibar.
Dani Barrio was in goal; Isma Casas and Calero on the wings, with Peybernes and debutant Moussa in central defence; Genaro was on the pivot, escorted by Cufré and Larrubia on the right; Jairo was on the left wing and upfront were Roberto and Pablo Chavarría.
There was a lot of back and forth between both sides during the first 15 minutes. There were few arrivals to the areas and just a handful of shots towards the target - Javi Gómez for the locals in minute 8, and Calero in 11’. Both attempts went wide.
After half an hour of play, Málaga intensified their arrivals more, on the right with Ismael and Jairo on the other side. Abel Gómez’s men, meanwhile, focused on aerial play, with a number of crosses making it to the Malaguista area.
Calero, Cufré and Chavarría were all shown the yellow card for the visitors during the first half. At half-time the scoreboard remained all square at 0-0.
In the second half, the first Malaguista substitution saw Brandon come on in place of Jairo. Rayo Majadahonda opened the scoring from a set piece. Susaeta, a specialist in these actions, launched a corner kick that was headed into the net by Rubén (1-0, 60').
José Alberto then made a double substitution. Hicham and Dani Lorenzo stepped on to the pitch in place of Larrubia and Chavarría. CF Rayo had the chance for a second goal at the feet of Javi Gómez, but Dani Barrio put paid to his efforts with a good save. Genaro came close to going level in 71’ with a long shot that hit the crossbar of former Malaguista, Álvaro Fernández.
Fifteen minutes before the final whistle, the second double Malaguista substitution saw wingers Ismael and Calero step off, and Víctor Gómez and Sekou Gassama join the game. MCF went all out in search of an equaliser (single match), piling the pressure on the rival defence. Again, Genaro in 89’ headed a Víctor corner that could have made it 1-1. However, it wasn’t to be and at the final whistle, Málaga CF’s Cup journey this 21/22 season reached its end.
Photos: CF Rayo Majadahonda’s press department
