The Blue and Whites were completely focused on victory against another big name in Europe, in their last pre-season game. Everton, who displayed powerful game play from the start, were dominated by the home side, in front of their fans, and the last match for the Blue and Whites in La Rosaleda ahead of the start of the League season and the Champions play-offs.
Despite their initial dominance of the match, the Blue and Whites were unable to create many goal opportunities. The first chance for Málaga came via a long shot from Portillo, and another minutes later by Monreal, though both shots were well saved from goalkeeper Howard.
Everton were quick to retaliate, with their first goal opportunity from Naismith in the 18th minute, with the ball going over the bar. Then a controversial offside decision half an hour into the match prevented a Blue and Whites goal by Isco.
The same rhythm continued during the second half. A shot by Seba two minutes in was saved by Howard. Málaga continued to dominate ball possession, though failed to create any real danger for Everton. However a shock came for Málaga after 60 minutes, with a goal from the visitors declared offside. Everton then stepped up their attack, creating a further few opportunities to score.
The balance of the match soon shifted in favour of the locals, and in minute 73, a perfect shot into goal by Weligton from the right wing put the Blue and Whites on the scoreboard. This is the second goal of the pre-season for the Brazil-born defender, following his goal in Caracas. He crashed through the Everton defence, scoring a goal which was impossible for Howard to save.
One goal up and Málaga continued to maintain possession, showing much more rapid game play. Another attempt at goal from Isco in the 79th minute only just hit the crossbar.
The visitors had a good chance to equalise only a minute later, thanks to a shot at goal from Barkley, but his header went over Caballero’s goal. A fantastic Demichelis header following a corner reached Isco on the left, but again the ball hit the crossbar.
Following an intense pre-season, and after the Costa del Sol Cup match, with captain Weligton and Duda presented with the trophy, Málaga’s League season gets underway in Vigo next week, as well as the Champions play-off first leg match at La Rosaleda against Panathinaikos.
Match stats
Malaga CF: Willy, Jesús Gámez, Weligton (c), Demichelis, Joaquín Duda, min. 81), Toulalan, Seba (Juanmi, min. 70), Monreal, Maresca (Camacho, min, 76), Isco and Portillo (Bounanotte, min. 58).
Everton FC: Howard, Hibert, Baines, Heitinga (Distin, min 46), Jagielka, Jelavic (Barkley, min. 83), Naismith (Gueye, min. 79), P. Neville (c) (Junior, min. 74), Osman, Pienaar and Coleman (Anichebe, 62).
Referee: Pérez Montero (Colegio Andaluz). Yellow card given to Demichelis (min. 16)
Information: XXIX Costa del Sol Cup match held in La Rosaleda, in front of 6,000 fans.
