It’s been a beautiful year. No one can deny Málaga CF's Juvenil DH the merit of having a brilliant season in every aspect. In what was a tough year for everyone, conditioned by COVID-19, the obstacles piled up for the Blue and White team. The reduced number of players on the first team resulted in the reserve and juvenil team loaning players to their superior teams. The ultimate goal of youth teams of course, but it obviously reduces the options of competing.
Despite all this, Málaga CF had a superb season in Subgroup A of Group IV in the División de Honor Juvenil. In 20 games the lads claimed 18 victories, one draw and one defeat. In the final phase of the competition, when they joined the other CCAA teams, they remained unbeatable, conceding just one draw. Their solid performance meant they were proclaimed league champions with a match remaining before the end of the competition – thanks to a 3-0 win against Real Betis at La Rosaleda.
Following the title win, the boys qualified to the Copa de Campeones. The MCF Academy has us used to competing in this prestigious competition nearly every year, pitting the eight best youth teams in Spain against one another. The first clash was with Athletic Club de Bilbao. Due to the restrictions imposed by the RFEF, the first round was a two-legged tie, emulating the format of the suspended Copa del Rey. Against this rival, one of the benchmark youth squads in world football, the Malaguistas won by 2-0. The locals’ superiority – the first duel was held at the Federación Malagueña de Fútbol – left the sensation that the advantage going into the return leg should have been higher. The following week, both teams staged an electric match that ended in a 3-3 draw at the iconic Lezama sports ground. This result took the boys to the Final Four of the Copa de Campeones.
The venue was idyllic, Marbella Football Center, and against a well-known opponent, FC Barcelona. With excitement levels through the roof, the Blue and Whites stepped on to the pitch determined to continue making history, but a penalty in minute 14’ of play was too cruel a blow. The rival took the lead and dominated the first 45 minutes of the game. However, the dynamics radically changed in the second half. The Malaguistas went all out on the attack. Opportunity after opportunity, Nacho’s boys came close to an equaliser time and again, but it wasn’t to be. Time ran out and, after the last corner, with goalkeeper Santos ready for the shot, the match came to an end.
On the pitch, the young players shed tears of sadness. They came so close, but in time they’ll remember this night and beam with pride.
Thank you for honouring our shield, CHAMPIONS.
