The clash between the malaguistas and villarrealenses will be arbitrated by the Canarian-born referee Alejandro José Hernández Hernández, who has refereed Málaga CF in 11 official matches. These can be broken down as follows:
- 8 First Division (with 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses)
- 2 Second Division (with 2 draws)
- 1 Copa del Rey (with 1 victory)
Players in common Málaga CF-Villarreal CF
Cornago, Solaeta, Sánchez Broto, Gerardo, Josemi, Calleja, Kiko Olivas, Pere Martí, Jordi Pablo, Toribio, Edu Ramos, Cazorla, Uche, Samuel García, Adrián, Asenjo, Samu Castillejo and Pablo Fornals (the last three, currently in the visiting squad)
Common coaches Málaga CF-Villarreal CF
Manuel Pellegrini
(*) The current Villarreal CF coach, Javi Calleja, played as a player in 107 official matches, scoring 6 goals with Málaga CF between 2006 and 2009
Players in common Málaga CF-Villarreal CF
Jorge Vaquer, Esteve, Palomo and Makanaky
(*) Fidel Uriarte, a CD Málaga player in the 70s, as well as being coach of Villarreal CF in the 90s
Of note:
- Luis Hernández, Chory Castro and Recio, with four yellow cards, are sanctioned.
- The Castellón team has scored 21 points in 15 away games in LaLiga 17/18. They’ve accumulated 6 wins, 3 draws and 6 losses with 15 goals in their favour and 18 against.
Statistical data and facts
- 14 matches in the First Division between Málaga CF and Villarreal CF at La Rosaleda, with a malaguista balance of 5 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses. 16 goals in favour and 15 goals against. In addition to the clash in the final of the Intertoto Cup (1-1 in 2002/03).
- Málaga CF, in the 30th match of its 16 previous seasons in Primera, has obtained 6 victories, 4 draws and 6 defeats.
- In the 2008/09 season they also met in the 30th match, at that time in El Madrigal, it ended in a Malaguista victory (0-2, goals by Duda and Eliseu).
- The current delegate of the first Blue and Whites team, Josemi, was a teammate of Villarreal coach Javi Calleja with the Yellows.
