It was a sunny Sunday afternoon with a good crowd of Blue and White fans at the Estepona ground. On the pitch, Malagueño kicked-off with Carlos López in goal; Murillo, Moussa, Andrés Caro and captain Benítez in defence; Álex Rico and Quintana together with Larrubia in midfield; and on the attack, Loren Zúñiga and the two “additions” of Kevin and Roberto.
The Malaguistas dominated the initial stages of the game. After the first 15 minutes, Kevin was unmarked in front of the rival keeper, but lost out in the one-on-one (18’). Immediately afterwards, Malano scored the first goal of the game for Huétor Tájar (1-0, 22’). Just before half-time, an action by Loren on the right provided an assist for Benítez, who slammed the ball into the net from the edge of the box (1-1, 44’).
Malagueño generated good chances in the second half from free kicks. First Larrubia (57’); and shortly afterwards Haitam, who replaced Kevin in 61’. The rival also had some promising chances to take the lead, particularly in 78’ that was stopped in its tracks by Carlos López.
Bilal substituted Moussa in 82’ and in stoppage time, a Roberto header hit the crossbar that could have put the boys through to the next round. Then in extra time, Funes made come changes to refresh the team, bringing on Alberto García and Julito. The latter had a narrow miss with a shot to the left post (104’).
In the second half of extra time, Issa Fomba and Mati came on as Malagueño remained focused on getting the victory goal. However, it was Tájar who scored the winner just before the full-time whistle, the work of Joaquín (2-1, 119’).
As such, Malagueño bid farewell to the 21/22 season, and will return to compete in Tercera RFEF Group IX next season.
