El Madrigal was a tough test for Málaga CF today, coming up against a rival in Champions League positions. The match also had an historic reference, as Málaga debuted the new white shirt with fine black stripes, in honour of the colours worn by CD Malacitano in the first match held at La Rosaleda in 1941.
Villarreal got off to a strong start in the first minutes of play, and Soldado put the Yellows in the lead with a powerful shot from in front of the target in minute 17’.
From this moment on, the locals waited for the counter attack, whilst the Malaguistas, dressed in Black and White today, equalled them in strength and dominated possession. Málaga could have equalised in minute 32’ with a clear opportunity for Duje Cop. The Croatian took advantage of a cross from Charles who found space and gained a good position on the rival to launch a shot at goal with his left foot, however it was deflected by goalkeeper, Areola.
The second half was very balanced. Málaga did not let up in their efforts to equalise, and Juanpi came close to glory in minute 67’ with a promising cross from Charles, but the ball went to the right of the Venezuelan player – his weaker foot – and sailed over the bar.
Strikers, Santa Cruz and Uche - making his debut as a Malaguista - and the rest of the team tried until the end, but the goals continued to resist and the result stayed at 1-0 at the final whistle.
