There was a good crowd at the Francisco Romero in Rincón de la Victoria, the home ground for the Malaguista squad this 22/23 season.
Before kick-off, the teams held a guard of honour for the Málaga CF Cadetes who won the 21/22 league championship. The trophy award ceremony was attended by Francis Salado, Mayor of Rincón de la Victoria and President of the Diputación de Málaga.
On the pitch, Nacho Pérez selected the following starting-11: María Arrabal; Encarni, Ruth ©, Silvia Mérida, Yoli; Olmedo, María Cortés, Nazaret, Marilén; Torralvo and Carmen Gómez.
During the first 15 minutes, the wood prevented two Blue and White goal opportunities. Attempts from Torralvo (11’) and Nazaret making her debut (15’) hit the post and the crossbar, respectively.
The first goal arrived thanks to the resourcefulness of Carmen Gómez, who bravely outwitted the rival goalkeeper (1-0, 20’). However, the Valencianistas reacted and Cubells quickly put the match back on an even keel (1-1, 25'). Before half-time, Torralvo could have scored in a one-on-one that was well resolved by Pallás.
The balance went in favour of the locals midway through the second half. Carla, who replaced debutant Marilén (63'), scored in her first action on the pitch. She escaped down the right with quality and skill, with a perfect finish to score the second Malaguista goal (2-1, 65’). Her second official match with the first team and first goal for one of the most promising homegrown players, still at Cadete age.
Nacho brought on Bertuchi for Torralvo in 75’, and reserve team players Marta and Cristina in substitution of Olmedo and Nazaret (88’), to refresh the team in the final stretch. Valencia ‘B’ piled the pressure on and had a great chance to go level before the final whistle, leading to a miraculous save by María Arrabal.
The first league victory of the season for Málaga CF Femenino who on Wednesday will be in action again at home against Granada CF (20:30), in their Copa de la Reina debut.
