This Saturday saw the return of the Costa del Sol Cup. The XXXIV edition was held, five years later, at La Rosaleda in front of 10,513 fans. The rival, Antequera CF. A significant duel as both teams will represent the province in the bronze category for the first time together.
Málaga CF stepped on to the pitch at La Rosaleda with the firm intention of setting the pace of play. Pellicer selected the following starting-11: Herrero; Gabilondo, Juande, Einar, Murillo; Genaro, Dani Lorenzo, Sangalli, Kevin; Roberto and Dioni. The Blue and Whites took control in the initial stages with a combination of fluid passes and intense pressure.
Dioni was the first player to touch the goal. The striker received a pass in the heart of the area from Dani Lorenzo setting up a great finish, yet the rival keeper managed to deflect a corner (7').
Following the hydration break, Antequera CF increased their presence in the Malaguista area and tested Alfonso Herrero's great reflexes on two occasions. A one-on-one in 25' cleared with his foot and a great hand save to the post in 34' - this play was later annulled due to an illegal position - were the goalkeeper's introductory actions in front of his new supporters. After several minutes of exchanging possessions, the first half came to an end at 0-0.
It didn't take long for the scoreboard to change. In 48', just three minutes after the second half got underway, Kevin Medina opened the scoring. The winger gained possession thanks to an assist from distance on the edge of the area, didn’t allow the defence a look-in and, in the one-on-one with the Verdiblanco goalkeeper, executed a powerful, accurate shot that entered the goal (1-0, 48').
After various alternations in approaches, another was resolved with a save by Herrero in a one-on-one (71'), whilst Loren made it 2-0 in 75'. The homegrown player defined with class a set piece served up from the right by Gabilondo. The millimetre cross was received by the striker who, after great control, finished off low and crossed with great class (2-0, 75').
In the final stretch of the match, the visitors went all out to narrow the gap. Destiny prevailed in a lateral cross, making Carlos López's stretch impossible (2-1, 87').
Despite the goal from Antequera, the match ended in victory for Málaga CF. The Blue and Whites’ second consecutive pre-season victory ahead of another four matches over the next fortnight before the league debut.
Juande and Ramón lifted the iconic trophy before the Malaguistas present at La Rosaleda. It stays at home!
