Joaquín Peiró’s team, 18 years ago, secured victory in one of the finals of the competition against Villarreal CF. Following a win at El Madrigal in the first leg with a fantastic goal by Gerardo from a direct free kick (0-1, 8’), La Rosaleda Stadium donned its best finery for the midsummer return leg.
The Blue and Whites made the most of the away win with a draw at home (1-1) to go on to lift the trophy that gave access to the UEFA Cup, winning 2-1 on aggregate. Captain Mikel Roteta, in minute 31 of the first half, scored for Málaga. El Palo born Aranda, in minute 65, went level for the visitors.
After brilliantly eliminating Belgian outfit Gent and Dutch side Willem II in the two earlier rounds, MCF made history in their first European appearance beating another Spanish team. It was the start of an incredible adventure that came to an end in the quarter-final of the UEFA Cup, losing out to Portuguese side Boavista on penalties in the unforgettable 2002/03 season.
Match stats: Málaga CF 1 – Villarreal CF 1
Málaga CF – Joaquín Peiró: Contreras; Josemi, Fernando Sanz, Roteta (Litos 81’), Valcarce; Romero, Miguel Ángel; Gerardo, Sandro (Dely Valdés 60’), Musampa; Darío Silva (Leko 68’).
Villarreal CF – Víctor Muñoz: Reina; Belletti, Ballesteros, Quique Álvarez, Berruet (Víctor 60’); Guayre, Josico, Galca, Calleja; Aranda and Palermo.
Goals
1-0: Roteta (31’). 1-1: Aranda (65’).
Referee
Helmut Fleischer (Germany). The yellow card was shown to local players: Sandro, Darío Silva and Miguel Ángel; and from the visitors: Berruet, Galca, Josico and Reina. Malaguista Josemi was sent off (90’) along with Villarreal players, Palermo (90’) and Aranda (90’).
Information
Great crowd at La Rosaleda Stadium. Match corresponded to the return leg of the UEFA Intertoto Cup final, held on 27th August 2002.
