Salva Ballesta’s boys struggled to get into the rhythm of the game during the first half, and despite finding it difficult to maintain possession, the Blue and Whites did create three clear chances at goal, one from a Jurado free kick outside the penalty area that went over the crossbar.
The ‘Malaguistas’ performed much better in the second half and began to take control of the match, despite not getting close enough to goal. Half an hour into the second half and Atarfe began to regain control over the visitors, creating several goal chances, but unable to crack the solid Blue and Whites’ defence.
In the final minutes of play, the pace of the game quickened and Álex Portillo had a real chance to clinch a victory for Atlético Malagueño, however the local keeper ensured the scoreboard remained level. Joselito joined the match in minute 67, in substitution of Rufo, and was sent off with two yellow cards awarded in the 88th and 90th minutes, leaving the Blue and Whites a man down in extra time.
At the end of the match, Ballesta commented: “Despite not being one of our better games, we had clear chances to score and still managed to not concede a goal, which gives us a lot of confidence. We’re got some very technical players on the team, who find it tough playing on artificial turf. We also had crucial players out through injury - Samu Castillejo, Rafa and Pedro, as well as Marrufo due to a ban – but we’re a big squad and I’ve got every faith in each player.”
This draw leaves Atlético Malagueño in second place behind Marbella FC, the only team to remain undefeated so far this season. The Blue and Whites’ reserve team is up against Huétor Tájar at the ‘Federación Malagueña’ ground next Sunday at 11 a.m. They lost at home against Español del Alquián by 2-0 this weekend.
Atarfe Industrial: García, Manu, Gálvez, Adrián, Raúl, Moleón, Alfonso, Sierra (Fran, 67’), Corral, Mario (Carlos, 57’) and Alex (Marcos, 83’).
At. Malagueño: Toni, Jurado, Víctor Ruiz, Álex Portillo, Mosquera, Pablo (Juanjo, 46’), Ernesto, Cristian, Mauri (Vela, 46’), Juanpi and Rufo (Joselito, 67’).
Referee: Yellow cards were awarded to Atarfe’s Corral (21'), Álex (26') and Raúl (64’) and Malagueño’s Mauri (31'), Mosquera (45'), Jurado (60') and Álex Portillo (84’). ‘Malaguista’, Joselito was sent off with a double yellow (88’and 90’).
Information: A minute’s silence was held in memory of an Atarfe director who has recently passed away.
