The 3-0 against Elche on league matchday 42 left numerous highlights that we review here:

Third place and play-offs against Deportivo

Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s men sealed third place in the standings. The rival in the first round of the promotion play-offs, sixth in the table, is RC Deportivo de la Coruña. Málaga ended the league with 74 points (in the last ascent in the 2007/08 campaign, the team accumulated 72 points), 21 victories (22 obtained by Peiró’s men that went up in 98/99), and +20 in regard to goals scored and conceded (+16 in the 07/08 campaign).

Nine changes to the starting-11!

The coach made no hesitation in rotating his squad. After leaving regular starters Pau and Adrián out of the line-up, and with Munir and N´Diaye on the bench, the coach only repeated defenders Ricca and Luis Hernández in the 11 in regard to the last match. The game mechanism didn’t vary whatsoever, and the collective performance was extraordinary. Test passed with flying colours.

The fifth for Ricca, and Moroccan goals

An extraordinary scoring season for Fede Ricca. With his goal against Elche, the captain accumulates five league goals, tied with N’Diaye on the Blue and White scoring podium, behind ‘pichichis’ Adrián (10) and Blanco Leschuk (9). In addition, Boulahroud scored his first official goal with MCF and Hicham scored his second goal this season, giving a North African colour to the win.

Kieszek factor

The Polish goalkeeper always delivers and has become a true good luck charm. His fifth match in the starting line-up this league season and, coincidentally or not, the fifth victory for Málaga. In addition, he has only conceded one goal, from the penalty spot, in the home win against Albacete (2-1). His superb Nino save in the first half, following a powerful free kick from the veteran striker, extraordinary.

The return of Torres

The versatile Madrid-born defender debuted this 18/19 season against Elche CF. Following a week of physical problems due to a rib contusion, he appeared in the final stretch of the match in substitution of Ricca on the left wing. 22 important minutes for Miguel Torres who once again felt like a football player.

Five consecutive wins

Curiously, the start of the season for Málaga CF and the end were the same. With Muñiz at the helm, the campaign started with victories against Lugo (1-2), Alcorcón (1-0), Almería (0-1), Tenerife (1-0) and Córdoba (3-0). With Víctor Sánchez del Amo, the regular season ended with another five victories against Oviedo (3-0), Reus (0-1), Zaragoza (3-1), Albacete (1-2) and Elche (3-0). Two lots of 15 crucial points in the pot for the Blue and Whites.