At times, football brings us complicit relationships that arise from sportsmanship and even spontaneity. In the 1998/99 season, Peiró’s Málaga walked with a firm step towards the First Division. On this happy journey they encountered a fellow traveller who, shortly before, surprised the footballing world in the Copa del Rey after heroically bowing out in the quarter-finals of the tournament against Cruyff’s Barça, competing in Second B. Numancia, a humble team who enamoured Spain for their gameplay and animated fans.
The Soriano and Malaguista fans, in the two matches of that 98/99 season, came together to symbolise the excellent relationship that would be born between both entities, their ‘peña’ federations and supporters’ groups. A mutual affection and example of fair play in national football, which following a joint promotion, would extend to several years in the top flight in the various clashes between these teams.
The subsequent descent to the silver division for Málaga and Numancia meant that two good, ‘old’ friends would meet again, determined to repeat the dream that would be reflected in the 2007/08 campaign. If the first time it was MCF that was promoted as leader of the category, this time it would be Numancia winning the Second Division title, ahead of Muñiz’s Málaga - sports director and coach during an unforgettable promotion, as well as Numancia player – who finished in second place.
Today, at Los Pajaritos, the spirit of ‘Numánlaga’ will return in an unprecedented duel, in what is always a moving competition, the Copa del Rey. Málaga and Numancia, Numancia and Málaga…Friends forever.
