Málaga CF returned to the top flight in one of LaLiga EA Sports’ most iconic settings, Atlético de Madrid’s home ground. Eight years after their last match in the First Division, and backed by thousands of Malaguistas in the stands at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Juanfran Funes’ side lined up with the following starting XI: A. Herrero; C. Puga, Recio, Einar, Rafita; D. Larrubia, Izan M., Dani Lorenzo, Joaquín; Dotor and Chupe.
The Blue and Whites made a confident start, but the opening minutes were evenly contested, with neither side establishing clear dominance. As the game progressed, Málaga CF took control of possession, although neither team managed to create any clear-cut chances. The score remained 0-0 at half-time.
After the break, Málaga returned unchanged. The heat and the stage of the season began to take their toll, and Funes made a double substitution in the 67th minute, with Cruz and Rafa replacing Joaquín and Dotor.
Just three minutes later, in the 70th minute, Kang In produced a superb individual effort, firing a powerful and well-placed shot from the edge of the box to make it 1-0. Salinas came on in minute 72 for Puga, who had been shown the yellow card.
In search of an equaliser, Funes made another double substitution, with Ramón and Jauregi replacing Einar and Dani Lorenzo in the 80th minute. However, a perfectly placed free-kick from Baena extended the hosts’ lead to 2-0.
Málaga CF pushed for a way back into the game but were unable to find a breakthrough, suffering defeat on their return to LaLiga EA Sports. Next Monday, Málaga will play their first home game of the season at La Rosaleda, against RC Deportivo de La Coruña.