The first half was dominated by the Blue and Whites, getting off to a magnificent start with continual arrivals based on rapid transitions. Homegrown player, Juan Cruz, in minutes 2’ and 4’ could have put Muñiz’s team in front with two good chances. Harper and Ontiveros moved well between the lines and all that was missing was goals, against a Forest who didn’t arrive at Andrés Prieto’s area.
However, it was Karanka’s men who scored from their first opportunity. Dias, following an excellent individual action, put the visitors 0-1 in front in 34’. A minute later, Abqar prevented a second English goal between the posts. At the end of the first half, the Championship side remained 0-1 in the lead.
In the second half, the Málaga line-up changed completely, yet the greater physical vigour of Forest determined the final result. Quarter of an hour into the second half, Osborn with a superb goal (62’) and Soudani (64’) converted against Kellyan, sealing victory for the British side against an MCF that went from more to less.
Juan Ramón Muñiz chose the following starting line-up: Andrés Prieto; Rosales, Abqar, Miquel, Juankar; Keko, Recio, Lacen, Ontiveros; Juan Cruz and Harper. Playing in the second half: Kellyan; Cifuentes, Luis Hernández, Diego Glez., Ricca; Juanpi (Hicham 83’), Deco (David Ramos 87’), Iturra, Mula; Adrián and Joan Grasa.
