Málaga CF travelled to Alcázar de San Juan on Tuesday to face Emers - Sporting de Alcázar CF in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Copa del Rey. Kick-off for #SportingAlcázarMálaga was scheduled for 21:00, with the team once again backed by travelling supporters who brought their passion and Malaguista colours to Castilla-La Mancha.
For their first cup tie, Funes named a starting-11 of Carlos López; Juani, Berrocal, Pastor, Calero, Salinas; Izan, Cajuste, Rafa Rodríguez, Dotor; and Eneko.
The Malaguistas took the initiative from the opening minutes, enjoying more possession and spending more time in the opposition half, although they struggled to turn that control into clear-cut chances. The best opportunity of the first half came in the 40th minute, when Dotor glanced Calero’s delivery on with his head, but the ball went just wide of the post. The teams went in at half-time with the score at 0-0.
After the break, Haitam, D. Larrubia and Chupe were introduced. Eneko threatened in minute 47 with a low, angled shot that went narrowly wide, before Dani Lorenzo replaced Berrocal in the 56th minute.
Chupe opened the scoring in minute 71, converting a penalty awarded after Haitam was fouled (0-1). Six minutes later, the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Antonio Avilés Ransanz was sent off for a heavy challenge on the Blue and White number 7.
The striker struck again in the 80th minute. Receiving the ball from Izan Merino, he controlled it, turned and finished with his left foot to double Málaga’s lead (0-2). A minute later, Funes made his final substitution, bringing on Carlos Puga.
Dani Lorenzo added a third goal in the 88th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Chupe’s effort from a corner delivered by Larrubia. The 0-3 final score secured victory for Málaga CF and booked their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey.
