It was a beautiful, sunny morning on the 11th November at the Elola ground, which hosted a magnificent crowd, remembering the iconic figure of the Spanish team and Málaga football, Juan Gómez ‘Juanito’, on the 25th anniversary of his death.
The Spain veterans defeated the Malaguistas in an entertaining and hard-fought match, refereed by Málaga-born Mario Melero López. In the first half, Rubén De la Red put Javi Clemente’s team in front, which included illustrious players such as Julen Guerrero, Amavisca, Ablanedo, and former Malaguistas, Contreras, Catanha and Salva Ballesta. At the start of the second half, Salva scored Spain’s second goal. Movilla, with a long shot, scored for the ‘Forever’, to make at a 1-2 final result.
Blue and Whites’ coaches, Antonio Benítez and Antonio Tapia selected two distinct line-ups for each half. In the first half, Rafa; Josemi, Larrainzar, Roteta, Nacho; Gerardo, Salguero, Sandro, Musampa; Duda and Dely Valdés were in action. Whilst in the second, Calatayud; Manolo Gaspar, Juanito, Bravo, Valcarce; Manu Sánchez, Juan Rodríguez, Movilla, Iznata; Fernando and ‘Boquerón’ Esteban (Koke) competed.
Photographs: Carlos Guerrero
