The Juvenil A side from MCF’s Academy lost by two goals to nil against Villarreal CF, in the first leg knockout match of the Copa del Rey in this category. Before kick-off, Villarreal CF congratulated Málaga CF for their Spain Championship win achieved last week in Vera (Almería).
The match got off to an even start, both teams exchanged goal occasions and shared ball possession during the first stages of the game. However, Malaguista striker, Santi had the clearest chance to score, launching the ball towards the target from a few metres away in minute three of play. The Villarreal keeper deflected the shot with a dive.
Mid-way through the first half, the locals took the lead thanks to striker, Darío, making the most of clearance following a corner (22’). Following the goal, the Yellows were well-positioned on the pitch, but Málaga CF defended the goal with great solvency. Blue and Whites’ keeper, Dennis saved a promising shot from Darío with his foot, in a one-on-one in minute 34. At half-time, the scoreboard remained at 1-0.
The tone of the match didn’t alter too much in the second half. The Malaguista defence dealt with the rival attacks well to begin with, but Yellows’ player, Villa outwitted Dennis in minute 72 to take a definitive 2-0 lead.
The match ended in a 2-0 win for Villarreal CF, forcing Sergio Pellicer’s boys to turn the result around in the return leg in Málaga.
MATCH STATS
Málaga CF: Dennis, Ramos, Damián, Suli, Álex Sánchez, Arturo (Víctor, 90’), Jony (Joselito,53’) Castillo, David Muñoz (Manu Cordero, 69’), Santi and Echu (Álex Solís, 77’).
Villarreal CF: Diego, Migue, Nani, Arnau (Joan, 76’), Pau, Pablo Álvarez, Chuca, Fran (Martín Arenas, 63’), Darío, Akale (Edu, 86) and Villa
Goals: 1-0. Darío 22’. 2-0. Villa 72’.
Referee: Fernando Navarro Collado (Castellón), awarded yellow cards to Malaguistas: Damián, Castillo, Álex Solís and Manu Cordero; and Villarreal players: Nani, Pablo Álvarez, Arnau and Chuca.
Information: First leg knockout round Copa del Rey match in the Juvenil category, at Villarreal CF’s sports city.
