Although the first match at the Martiricos stadium was on 13th April 1941, with the famous clash between CD Malacitano and AD Ferroviaria, it was on 14th September of that same year when La Rosaleda was officially inaugurated with the always special Andalusian duel between CD Málaga and Sevilla FC.
The Blue and White stadium was designed by architects Enrique Atencia Molina and Fernando Guerrero-Strachan Rosado, with the stands being significantly extended before the World Cup in Spain (1982). In addition, under the supervision of José Seguí Pérez, the Malaguista stadium was remodelled between 2000 and 2006. Currently, there is capacity for 30,044 spectators.
Malaguismo has experienced countless feats in this temple as incredible as the 14-0 victory for Málaga CF against Garrucha (05/07/1995), the Club's greatest historic win. Bazán, author of the nine goals in Málaga’s memorable 9-2 victory against Hércules (01/04/1948), is the entity's ‘pichichi’ in matches played at La Rosaleda with 103 goals! The great Basti, with 40 goals, remains the top scorer at home in the MCF era, whilst Migueli continues to be the player who played the most home games (234).
Then in the 21st century, La Rosaleda saw its fans' European dreams come true with two brilliant appearances in the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. And, via the MCF Foundation, the Club's legends are honoured by renaming some of the stadium gates with icons such as the aforementioned Migueli and Bazán, Viberti, Antonio Benítez, Ben Barek, Gallardo and Andrés Perales. Not forgetting Joaquín Peiró, who is featured in the local dugout.
Promotions, epic victories, incredible goals ... So many memorable moments that remain indelible as the years go by. Eighty years and counting! Happy Birthday, ‘Grandma’!
