The match got underway with both sides fighting to dominate within the first few minutes. However it was Málaga who had a more impressive first half than the ‘Perico’ team.
The Blue and Whites had five clear chances at goal, but luck wasn’t on the side of Alberto González’s men, and a shot by Mauri, the team’s best chance to score, hit the post.
RCD Espanyol were quick on the attack, and took advantage of any goal opportunities. However thanks to the brilliant defending from Málaga, they were unable to get on the leader board during the first half.
Half time arrived with a goalless draw, though with the feeling that Málaga CF created a sense of danger, thanks to Samu Castillejo’s excellent attack as well as defensive support, and of course impressive play from the entire team.
An unfair start to the second half for the visitors, and in the second minute, Espanyol were a goal up, as a result of their third goal opportunity of the match. Málaga keeper Toni had just saved a header following a corner, when Héctor scored the first goal for the ‘Periquitos’.
Espanyol’s advantage on the leader board led Málaga to up their attacking display, with Mauri determined to score for the Blue and Whites. However Alberto González’s team was unable to equalise, and then the locals were awarded a penalty by referee Ayza Gámez. However, luckily Canalel sent the ball way above Toni’s goal.
As time went on, Málaga began to speed up their game play and attack, with great individual play from Mauri and a brilliant shot by Samu Castillejo, which just went right of the goal. Juampi, who went on in the second half, also had a close shot at goal, as well as other powerful attempts to score, with very good intervention by the Espanyol keeper.
The last few minutes of the game continued with a continuous attack by Málaga and counter-attacks from Espanyol. The ‘Malaguistas’ were unable to equalise as the final whistle blew, and it was Real Club Deportivo Espanyol that took the title, defeating Málaga Club de Fútbol by 1-0.
Match stats
Team line-ups
RCD Espanyol: Germán, Arroyo, Bonilla, Héctor, Aitor (Rubén), Miravent (Joan), Pedro (Isma), Canadell, Jafar, Rufo (Kilian) and Gil.
Málaga CF: Toni, C. Márquez (Víctor Ruiz), Álvaro, Iván (Juampi), Gonzalo, Carlos, Mauri, Rafa (Peque), Pedro, Samu and Jandro (Víctor Rueda)
Goals:
1-0 (47’): Héctor
Referee:
Ayza Gámez. Yellow cards given to Malaga’s Gonzalo and Germán from Espanyol.
Information:
Final of the Copa del Rey juvenil, held in San Fernando municipal stadium in Burriana, Castellón.
