The match between Málaga CF and Sevilla Atlético was postponed until 19:30 due to the intense Costa del Sol heat. The high temperatures put both teams to the test on the main pitch at the Federación Malagueña de Fútbol ground. The Blue and White starting-11, today dressed in the away kit, was made up of: Dani Barrio, Benítez, Juande, Lombán, Javi Jiménez, Escassi, Jozabed, Luis Muñoz, Jairo, Haitam and Roberto.
During the first play of the match, Roberto sent out a warning to the Sevilla side with a shot that went wide, brushing the post. However, the forward soon had another chance. In minute 6 Jozabed opened the right wing with an aerial ball controlled by Benítez, who launched a cross to Roberto who headed the ball into the goal, putting the lads 1-0 up at the Federación Malagueña.
Following the Malaguista goal, Sevilla Atlético improved and evened out the great start by José Alberto’s men. Santi Esteban remained hand in hand with Dani Barrio, although the goalkeeper saved the shot by the Sevilla forward to maintain the Blue and Whites’ lead at the water break. The end of the first half featured alternatives for both teams, but the scoreboard didn’t change before half-time.
As usual during the pre-season, there were various substitutions in the second half. The Malaguista coach selected Paulino to make his debut, as well as bringing on Hicham and Alexander. The line-up for the second half comprised of: Dani Barrio; Alexander, Juande, Lombán, Javi Jiménez; Escassi, Jozabed, Luis Muñoz; Hicham, Brandon and Paulino.
As soon as the second half got underway, Málaga came out determined to focus play upfront. Hicham, who was very active during his minutes of play, caused a foul on the edge of the Sevilla area that Jozabed was in charge of taking. A masterful shot from the Blue and White midfielder surpassed the wall and the keeper to take the team to a 2-0 lead (47').
After the 50th minute, Sevilla made several changes to refresh the team, altering the 11 players who were on the pitch. As time went on, Hicham showed promise on the left as did Sevilla Atlético from the set piece.
Around minute 70’, José Alberto made eight substitutions and left the following 11 on the field of play: Gonzalo; Alexander, Moussa, Andrés, Cristo; Kevin, Benkhemassa, Ismael G., Paulino; Loren and Brandon.
In the closing stages, the match was conditioned by fatigue caused by the heat, yet the Malaguistas had greater control. Kevin and Paulino focused on technical details and Ismael G. tried his luck with a good attempt from distance.
The final result was a 2-0 win in this demanding pre-season clash, the Malaguistas’ second match so far this summer.