A very sunny afternoon with a good turnout of fans in the stands at the main field of Marbella Football Center. On the pitch, Pellicer lined up this starting-11 for the first half: A. Herrero ©; C. Puga, Pastor, Einar, Dani Sánchez; Izan M., Dotor, Dani Lorenzo; D. Larrubia, Joaquín, and Niño.
Málaga CF took the lead very early on the scoreboard. Dotor won the ball in midfield, leading to a quick transition with a through pass from Larrubia to Joaquín, who then assisted Niño, who scored with a flawless shot (0-1, 7’). This was the striker from Rota’s third goal in two friendlies.
Just before the midway point of the first half came the second goal. Málaga’s high and effective pressing led to a steal near the Red and White area, where David Larrubia appeared with confidence and precision to score in a one-on-one situation (0-2, 20’). It was the number ‘10’s second goal of the preseason.
Right before half-time, in the 41st minute, Málaga almost scored a third after a counterattack led by Larrubia, finished off by Niño with a shot that Fernando saved at the last moment.
In the second half, MCF made eight changes to the lineup. The players on the field were Carlos López; Gabilondo, Izan M., Murillo, Víctor; Juanpe, Dotor, Aaron Ochoa; Lobete, Chupe, and Niño. Rafa replaced Niño in the 52nd minute; Sangalli came on for Dotor in the 65th; and reserve team player Recio replaced Izan Merino in the 71st.
Málaga CF maintained their lead on the scoreboard and even had chances to extend it, with opportunities from Sangalli, Chupe, and especially an active Ochoa, who had a clear chance to make it 0-3 on a counterattack in the 87th minute. However, UD Almería pulled one back just before the final whistle, thanks to a goal from Nico Melamed (1-2, 89’).
The second preseason match and second victory for Sergio Pellicer’s squad, who will end the week with a rest day tomorrow, Sunday.