Atlético Malagueño had a goalless draw against CA Osasuna Promesas in the first leg of the first play-off for Second Division B promotion. Therefore the tie will be decided in the return leg in Málaga next week.
It was a fairly balanced match for both reserve teams who fought for possession and played their best football. Atlético Malagueño was well-positioned on the pitch and gave Osasuna Promesas little chance to develop their gameplay. The rivals’ best chance came a minute before the final whistle when Endika didn’t manage to find the target even though the ball went in front of the goal area.
Following a strong first half, the Blue and Whites were even better in the second, generating a great deal of trouble in the rival area thanks to impressive play on the wings from Ernesto and Roy. The ‘Malaguistas’ had three clear opportunities to get on the scoreboard, two that escaped the net by millimetres, and another shot from Deco that sailed above the crossbar following an Ernesto Cornejo free kick.
After this 0-0 draw the tie is left wide open for the return leg, taking place on Sunday 31st May at 11 a.m. at the ‘Federación Malagueña’ ground. Salva Ballesta hopes the fans will get behind the team: “We have secured a good result in the first leg, but it’s still anybody’s game, so we’ll need to work hard as it won’t be easy. However we’re at our home ground and hopefully the crowd will be supporting us.”
Match stats:
Osasuna Promesas: Juan, Borja, Julen, Diego, Endika, Morillas, Díaz (De Frutos, 82’), Yoel, Manjon (Javi Martínez, 75’), Jose García (Berenguer, 51’) and Rubio.
At. Malagueño: Aarón, Iván Rodríguez, Diego, Calero, Álex Portillo, Paul (Rafa de Vicente, 65’), Deco, Ernesto, Roy (Mula, 60‘), Pablo (Mauri, 81’) and Rufo.
Referee: Mosqueira Antón. Yellow cards were shown to local players: Borja (36’) and Javi Martínez (81’); and from the ‘Malaguistas’: Paul (31’), Aarón (59’) and Mula (90’). Yoel from Osasuna Promesas was sent off with a double yellow card (6’ and 89’).