The start of play was perfect for Sergio Pellicer’s team, who took an early lead thanks to Ramos (1-0, 10’). The visitors, coached by former Malaguista player, Javi Calleja, weren’t swayed by their important advantage in the first leg (2-0). Half an hour into the match, Darío equalised (1-1, 31’). Malaguista, Castillo, just before the 45th minute, had a clear chance to score, but a great save by Yellows’ goalkeeper, Diego prevented the home side taking the lead again. At half-time, the scoreboard was even.
In the second half, Villarreal managed the pace of play better, and sentenced the tie without giving a willing, but inaccurate Málaga any choice. In minute 48, Villa made it 1-2, and Martín, in 83’, scored the definitive 1-3, to qualify to the quarter-finals with an aggregate 1-5 victory.
Following the División de Honor juvenil Group 4 league runners-up title, and Champions Cup of Spain win – recently achieved in Vera (Almería) - elimination from the Cup competition in the knockout stage doesn’t shadow one iota the historic season the young Malaguistas have enjoyed. In 2016/17 they are competing in the UEFA Youth League, the European Champions League of the juvenil category.
Match stats: Málaga 1 – Villarreal 3
Málaga CF – Sergio Pellicer: Samu, Ramos, Damián, Aarón, Álex S., Víctor, Jony, Castillo, David M., Santi and Echu. Carmelo, Alberto, Joselito and Álex Solis also played.
Villarreal CF – Javi Calleja: Diego, Migue, Joan, Arnau, Pau, Pablo A., Chuca, Fran, Darío, Akale and Villa. Edu, Simón, Martín and George also played.
Goals
1-0: Ramos (10’); 1-1: Darío (31’); 1-2: Villa (48’); 1-3: Martín (83’).
Referee
Juan Antonio Campos Salinas (Murcia). Yellow cards were shown to Malaguistas: Ramos, Joselito and Aarón; and from the visitors: Migue and Martín. In minute 76, Malaguista, Castillo was sent off with a direct red card, as well as Simón from the rival team.
Information
Return leg knockout round match of the Copa del Rey Juvenil (first leg, 2-0), held at the Málaga Football Federation ground on a very sunny day, in front of around 400 fans.
