The first of Málaga CF’s two matches in Marbella today kicked off at 10:00 against AD Alcorcón at La Quinta Football Pitches.
José Alberto López called-up 16 players for this match, with a 1-4-5-1 formation in the starting line-up. Dani Barrio was in goal; Alexander González, Moussa, Andrés and Javi in a line of four in defence; Benkhemassa and Luis Muñoz on the double pivot; Jairo, Larrubia and Kevin in three quarters; and Loren upfront.
The first half was characterised by a game without too much depth, with the clearest opportunities stemming from long shots and set pieces.
During the first quarter of an hour, Dani Barrio had to intervene twice. The first, in minute 6, to deflect an attempt from Aguilera from outside the area. In 13’, he saved a Marc Gual header following a corner kick.
Málaga CF’s best attacking actions came from the left wing, with Kevin making several attempts.
Towards the end of the first half the balance tipped in the Alcorcón’s favour. In 37’, a corner from Hugo Fraile was extended by Marc Gual at the near post to allow Aguilera to score the 0-1. In stoppage time, Juanma increased the visitors’ lead with an assist from Marc Gual (0-2, min48).
In the second half, José Alberto freshened up the line-up with a double change of ‘juvenil’ players. Recio and Roberto came on in place of Andrés and Loren.
When the Malaguistas tried to recover the pulse of the match, a comeback seemed impossible when the rival went 0-3 up in 54’ thanks to a Juanma brace following a pass from Juan Hernández on the left.
In 67’ homegrown players Rafa and Fomba stepped on to the field of play in place of Jairo and Larrubia.
The final stages of the match at La Quinta Football Pitches were all about the Blue and Whites who maintained control of the ball, but without any luck in front of goal, despite attempts with lateral crosses and two shots from distance by from Luis Muñoz in stoppage time.
The team continues to accumulate minutes in this third pre-season match with the first defeat of the summer. The second match of the day kicks off at 19:00 against UD Almería on the main pitch at the Marbella Football Center.
