A lot has happened since then. On a summer night in 2002, La Rosaleda stadium prepared for an unforgettable experience. The team had won the first leg of the Intertoto Cup final against Villarreal CF (0-1) with the return leg of the tournament in play in front of the fans. The title and qualification to the UEFA Cup for the first time was at stake.
In a hotly contested match, the Blue and Whites opened the scoring with a goal from Roteta to increase their lead in the tie. However, the Yellows went level thanks to Aranda and were a goal away from turning the tie around. However, the fight and determination shown by Joaquín Peiró’s team, and the push from the fans, allowed Málaga to claim a valuable draw (1-1). A draw with a European flavour.
The Malaguistas won their first European title, the first team in Andalucía to do so, and they subsequently took part in the UEFA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history. The lads reached the quarter finals, losing to Portuguese outfit, Boavista.
Today, 17 years later, the stars from that match still defend ‘La Blanquiazul’. ‘Los Pichitias’, Miguel Zambrana and Juan Carlos Salcedo (kit managers) continue to accompany the team every day and ensure that everything is in order. Joining them, the iconic Marcelino Torrontegui (massage therapist), who has been at the service of Málaga CF for more than 20 years, and the legend that is Duda, who has played the most matches with the team in the history of Málaga CF, and currently linked to the MCF Academy. In addition, Josemi, Koke Contreras and Iznata relive for MCFTV one of the most magical nights in Malaguista history.
