Málaga CF drew 2-2 with Saudi side Al-Ittihad in a preseason friendly at Marbella Football Center. Adrián Niño and Joaquín were on target for the Malaguistas.
Around 1,000 spectators attended Marbella Football Center to watch Málaga CF's second preseason friendly, which saw the debuts of new signings Calero, Juan Cruz and Salinas, as well as several Atlético Malagueño players.
For the match, Funes named the following starting XI: Carlos López; Puga, Calero, Recio, Dani Sánchez; D. Larrubia, Rafa R., Arriaza, Lobete; Jauregi and Chupe.
Al-Ittihad took the lead just seconds after kick-off through Steven Bergwijn. Chupe and Lobete had Málaga's best chances of the first half, with Chupe's effort deflected behind for a corner and Lobete's shot drifting narrowly wide. In the 34th minute, a long-range strike from Ilenikhena doubled the rival’s advantage.
At the break, the coach reshuffled his side, keeping Carlos López in goal while introducing Juani, Izan Merino, Otu, Salinas, Haitam, Dotor, Dani Lorenzo, Joaquín, Juan Cruz and Adrián Niño.
After several minutes of sustained pressure, Adrián Niño pulled one back for Málaga in the 54th minute. Just four minutes later, Joaquín levelled the score, finishing off a fine assist from Niño.
Aaron Ochoa also saw action, coming on for Juan Cruz shortly before the hydration break.
Following this second friendly, the team will train tomorrow to round off the third week of preseason.
