Málaga CF left the airport at 17:00, with the group now resting at Hotel Vila-real Palace, after landing at Castellón airport. The star of the team’s arrival was undoubtedly Pablo Fornals, who returns to his birthplace where his family resides.

In addition, Josemi, the new team delegate and a former Villarreal CF player, makes his debut on a special journey for him, to a city he knows inside out.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani heads up the expedition, as has been the norm this season, along with Club advisers; Abdullah Ben Barek and Francisco Martín Aguilar; and sports director, Francesc Arnau. Málaga CF match coordinator and Academy manager, José Luis Ruiz Téllez completes the group, travelling with 19 players plus the coaching team.

On Sunday, at Estadio de la Cerámica at 12:00, Málaga CF will face Villarreal CF. The Blue and Whites won’t be alone. 200 fans are travelling from Málaga tonight to support the players, thanks to an initiative promoted by the Club for season ticket holders.

Following the match, the group of players, coaching team and management will return to the Costa del Sol, scheduled to arrive back on Sunday afternoon.