MCF visited Castalia on Primera Federación matchday 1 in this intense, vibrant clash. Pellicer called-up A. Herrero; Jokin, Juande, Einar, Victor; Genaro, Juanpe, Sangalli; Juan Hernández, Dioni and Roberto in the first starting line-up of 23/24. There was an extraordinary atmosphere at the Albinegro stadium with more than 200 Malaguistas in the stands. Fans who that same morning had travelled the more than 700 kilometres between Castellón and Martiricos.
The match got off to an electric start. The locals focused on intensity and surrounded the Malaguista goal. They persisted until, 11 minutes into play, local player Medunjanin took advantage of a rebound in the heart of the area to make it 1-0.
As the minutes went on, the teams became more in tune and Málaga began to flirt with the rival area.
Jokin served a cross that didn’t manage to connect with a teammate in 15' following a great pass between the lines from Sangalli. Einar finished off another delivery from the number '2' in minute 19 from a set piece, yet the ball sailed very close to the right post. Juan Hernández also tried his luck in 23' and Roberto sent a cross from the right to Dioni in 34' whose header narrowly missed the target.
All these opportunities were the prelude to the 1-1 equaliser in minute 36. Juan Hernández caused Iago Indias to touch the ball with his hand inside the area which resulted in a penalty. Dioni took the shot from the 11-mettre mark and came up against the post. However, Genaro arrived from behind to propel the ball into the back of the net (1-1, 36').
The minutes that followed were hectic, so much so that Juanpe had to leave the pitch due to a severe bruise to the face (41'). At half-time the scoreboard remained 1-1.
In the second half, the Blue and Whites - wearing green and purple on this occasion - presented two new changes: Nelson Monte replaced Juande and Murillo came on for Víctor. A few minutes into play the match had to stop due to a spectacular blow between Alfonso Herrero and local player, Raúl Sánchez. Medics quickly stepped on to the pitch due to the severity of the collision and everyone held their breath. The Albinegro player had to leave the pitch on a stretcher while the Blue and White goalkeeper was able to continue the game.
Both teams alternated opportunities, with several dangerous chances for MCF such as the powerful shot from Kevin in front of the area in 74'. The local goalkeeper deflected the attempt and the rebound fell close to Roberto, who didn’t manage to gain control of the ball. A few minutes later, Roberto and Dani Lorenzo triangulated effectively on the edge of the area. The number ‘22’ shot with good intentions, but once again former Malaguista Gonzalo stood between MCF and the goal.
Despite the insistence of Pellicer's men, CD Castellón took the lead again in 87'. Albinegro Jesús de Miguel executed a cross shot that ended up in goal (2-1).
Pellicer's men didn’t deflate despite the goal and eagerly sought an equaliser. Roberto managed to score in added time, but in an advanced position at the moment of Kevin's cross, for which the referee signalled offside.
The match, in which the team deserved more at a very tough ground, ended 2-1. Next Saturday Málaga CF will host Atlético de Madrid 'B' at La Rosaleda on matchday 2 of Primera Federación Group 2.
Photo: CD Castellón
