From boys to men. This is the step the Malagueño players made on Sunday in Yecla. We’ll always remember the date; 27th May 2018, the place; Estadio Municipal de ‘La Constitución’. There, on that day, Málaga CF’s reserve team became a Second B squad.
Football owed this group, and it paid out. A memorable afternoon, playing 25 minutes with 10 men and enduring a particularly hostile environment in a city that got behind its team. The ghosts of Segovia and Castellón didn’t appear, these brave boys became men in Yecla.
Atlético Malagueño stepped on to the pitch with clear ideas and sought out the rival goal from the start. Before 10 minutes had passed, the Blue and Whites had approached the area, but without success.
Midway through the first half, a highly smart move by Abeledo saw him make the most of a false exit by the rival goalkeeper to put his team in front with spectacular definition (0-1, 27’). Dely Valdés’ boys didn’t rest on their laurels after the goal and maintained the pressure upfront. Moreno missed an opportunity in the heart of the area in 29’. He didn’t manage a clear hook on the ball from the wing and his shot sailed over the crossbar.
Five minutes before half-time, Yeclano went level at ‘La Constitución’ with a goal from a set piece. Iker Torre, with a header, surpassed Kellyan in 40’ (1-1). The equaliser spurred on the locals but the Malaguista defence deactivated any opposing attacks with solvency. After 45 minutes the scoreboard remained at 1-1.
In the second half, Malagueño went out determined to turn the game back in their favour. A great individual display from Deco in minute 53 was blocked by the rival keeper. Just as the Blue and Whites got more into the attack, they were left with 10 men on the pitch. The referee showed the red card to Ivan Rodríguez in 55’, after he considered an action in midfield unsportsmanlike.
Despite being less in numbers, the reserve team stoically endured the remainder of play. The Blue and Whites showed great experience to counteract the rival’s attempts. In minute 79, after 24 minutes, the referee sent off local player, Álex Vaquero and equilibrium resumed on the pitch.
Deco had the final chance of the game just before the full-time whistle. The number ‘10’ didn’t manage to outwit the keeper in a one-on-one. In the end it didn’t matter as the referee signalled full-time and Malagueño were proclaimed a Second Division B team.
CONGRATULATIONS MALAGUEÑO!
Match stats
Atlético Malagueño: Kellyan; Iván, Alberto, Ian, Chica, Clavería, Abeledo (Nané, 73’), Ramos (Hicham, 86’), Moreno (Robles, 65’), Deco and Harper.
Yeclano Deportivo: Serna; Mario, Iván, Rumbo, Chino (Varela, 75’), Belforti (Álex Vaquero, 59’), Víctor Riuz, Vivanco, Iker Torre (Tonete, 71’), Víctor Fenoll and Javi Muñoz.
Goals:
1-1 Abeledo (27’)
1-1 Iker Torres (40’)
Referee: Tercero Campos, David, from Castilla La Mancha. The following local players were booked: Chino (25’), Iván (35’), Javi Muñoz (60’), Mario (77’) and Álex Vaquero with a double yellow (77’ and 79’). The following Blue and Whites’ players were shown the yellow card: Moreno (33’) and Ramos (83’) whilst Iván Rodríguez was shown the red card (55’).
Information: Match corresponding to the second leg of the first round of 2ªB promotion playoffs. The game took place on 27th May, at 18:45 at Estadio Municipal ‘La Constitución in front of 4,500 people.
