Our particular kilometre is back to review the highlights of Málaga’s LaLiga SmartBank 19/20 debut against Racing in Santander last Saturday, which ended in victory (0-1, Adrián).
Goal-scoring captain
Adrián González is still married to the goal. Last year he was the team’s ‘pichichi’ with 10 goals and this season couldn’t have got off to a better start. Wearing the captain’s armband, he assumed his role of leader and appeared when he was needed the most. His header into goal from a Renato pass led to three valuable points to kick off the competition.
The power of the youth ranks
An important day for the MCF Academy. A notable debut on the right wing for Ismael and featuring in the starting-11 were the tireless Hugo and Keidi Bare. In the second half, central defender Luis Muñoz made his re-debut, and Ramón Enríquez came on just before the final whistle. Gonzalo and Cristo remained on the bench following their first call-up, along with Hicham and Iván Jaime. Quantity and quality to nurture the first team with enthusiasm and hunger.
Resilience
Málaga’s ability to be vigorous in adverse situations at El Sardinero was commendable. Víctor, who used a novel scheme with three central defenders, saw two of them - Luis Hernández and Lombán – sustain injury in the first half. At the regulatory limit, with seven professionals on the pitch, the players acted responsibly and intelligently throughout the second half.
A marvellous tradition
Under the ‘MCF’ name, this is now the Club’s fifth campaign in the Second Division. Furthermore, this is the fifth time the team won the first match of the competition. In 98/99, Peiró’s Málaga defeated Eibar by 2-1 at La Rosaleda; in 06/07 it was an away win against Hércules (0-1); the following year, a clear 3-0 victory at home against Salamanca in 07/08; last season, a 1-2 result in Lugo with a comeback included, and, most recently, the fifth win on matchday 1 in Santander.
Those who never fail
A good number of Malaguista fans travelled to Cantabria to support the team in the stands. True, brave and passionate Blue and White fans who celebrated the first victory of the new season. The explosion of joy with Adrián’s goal and celebrating with the players, the best way to express the passion for these colours.
