Málaga CF went all out from the start and after just 10 minutes, Erik scored a goal that was subsequently disallowed for being offside. Rayo Vallecano began to pile the pressure on, and there followed several minutes of exchanges without any clear control from either side. However Málaga CF soon took the reins of the match, creating continual goal opportunities with a strong display from both Ontiveros and Mula on the wings, and Pablo Fornals taking charge of the attack.
With five minutes until the end of the first half, a free kick by Ontiveros from in front of the target hit the crossbar, but on the rebound the Rayo goalkeeper prevented the Blue and Whites scoring with a second save.
The second half kicked off in much the same way as the first, with Málaga CF causing trouble near the rival goal area. Rayo continued to pressurise the Blue and Whites in their attempt to gain possession and focus on a rapid counterattack, with Luis Muñoz and Mérida very strong at the back.
It looked as though a Málaga goal was imminent, but it was Rayo who opened the scoring. Clavería took charge of the ball at the far post, and on the rebound following clearance he sent the ball to the back of the net.
Rayo’s best moments of the game followed their goal. They appeared more comfortable on the pitch and took advantage of the ‘Malaguistas’ dip in morale. Ruano’s boys were back on form within five minutes and stepped up their attack. A good performance from Iván Rodríguez inside the area following a heel kick by Mula sent a powerful ball towards the target that hit the post. Mula was then brought down inside the area as he tried to convert an Ontiveros shot, but the referee ignored the action. With the entire team on the attack, Pablo had a last chance shot at an equaliser from in front of the goal, but also failed to find the net.
The ‘Juvenil’ boys were denied in front of goal and were unable to convert any of their 16 opportunities. Rayo Vallecano were able to transform their best chance at goal as they gained possession of a dead ball.
The ‘Malaguistas’ return to Málaga today, and following a short break will resume training to prepare for the knockout stage of the Copa del Rey in this category, against CF Damm.
Málaga CF: Samu Casado, Iván Rguez, Damián (Santi, 78’), Luis Muñoz, Mérida, Deco, Pablo, Ontiveros, Mula (Joni, 90’), Ramos (Salva, 85’) and Erik.
Rayo Vallecano: Javi Ruiz, Quirós, Nico Cañizares, Poblete, Aki, Clavería, Pep Biel, Joni Montiel (Pajuelo, 90’), Shafa (Viso, 87’), Juancho and Uche (Franchu, 68’).
Goal
1-0 Min 74. Clavería
Referee: Ruiz Aguilera, Juan Manuel. Yellow cards were shown to ‘Malaguistas’: Pablo (75’) and Ramos (75’); and from the visitors: Poblete (65’) and Pajuelo (89’).
