The ‘Malaguista’ reserve team was very focused from the start, maintaining an intense determination to control possession, dominating play and creating numerous early goal opportunities from the wings thanks to an impressive combinative display from Juanpi and Samu Castillejo.
It was precisely from the left wing that the first goal of the match originated following a long shot from Alberto López. Rufo took control and sent the ball into the back of the net to give the visitors an important lead.
Just as the second half got underway, Samu Castillejo scored the second Blue and Whites’ goal. The ‘Malaguista’ outwitted the defence, moved very well with the ball and smashed it into the target, securing his team a significant advantage in the promotion play-offs.
Sociedad Deportiva Ejea did their best to even up the score board, focusing on direct play and trying out various strategies, but the Blue and Whites’ defence remained solid in the determination not to concede a goal.
The reserve team, returning to Málaga following a training session tomorrow morning at the same ground where tonight’s match was held, is looking ahead to Sunday’s return leg at La Rosaleda in front of the fans, kicking off at 11:30 a.m.
Match stats:
SD Ejea: Rafa Santos, Mainz (Miki, 70’), Álvaro (Toño Jiménez, 49’), Pastor, Osanz, Pascual, Edu García, Recio, Gallego, Pedro Avellana and García Peña (Revilla, 58’).
At. Malagueño: Toni, Jurado, Alberto López, Álex Portillo, Mosquera, Deco, Joel (Rafa de Vicente, 63’), Juanpi, Pedro Mérida (Zalea, 83’), Samu Castillejo and Rufo (Marrufo, 77’).
Goals:
0-1 Min 39. Rufo
0-2 Min 47. Samu Castillejo
Referee: Álvarez Fernández. Yellow cards were shown to local players: Mainz, Álvaro, Pastor, Recio, Pedro Avellana and García Peña; and from the visitors: Jurado, Alberto López and Joel.
