Málaga CF’s time in the UEFA Youth League came to an end in Herning (Denmark), in the second round knockout tie against FC Midtjylland (2-4). Following the initial first leg victory (2-0), the Malaguistas were defeated by the Danish rival at the ACH Arena (4-0).
The match kicked off at a dizzying pace. In the first play, Hicham generated a clear opportunity, that was deflected by the local defence. The Malaguistas took the reins of the game and tried to dominate possession, but in minute six, Thychosen put the home side in front by taking advantage of a clearance from a free kick (1-0).
Following the goal, the Danes launched their attack. In minute 24 it was again Thychosen who battered the Blue and Whites’ goal to even up the tie (2-0). Both sides shared possession and approaches to the area for the remainder of this half. Just before the half-time whistle, Joel was shown the red card (46’) as the referee considered he showed aggression in the fight for possession during aerial play.
With a man down, Málaga CF kicked off the second half aiming to secure the defence and go all out on the counter attack to take the lead.
The Malaguistas managed to contain the Danes well in the next stages of the match, thanks to the solid work by the defence and two praiseworthy saves from goalkeeper, Kellyan.
However, in minute 85, Poulsen scored the third goal for FC Midtyilland to unbalance the tie (3-0). Pellicer’s men advanced the lines to try and overcome the local defence, but Vang sentenced the match in the 90th minute (4-0).
The reigning national champions therefore bid farewell to the UEFA Youth League, after an excellent performance in the first chapter of the #AcademyofChampions.
Match stats: FC Midtjylland 4 – Málaga CF 0
FC Midtjylland: Ottesen, Riis -c-, Torp (Madsen 50’), Kirk (Essaisi 71’), Nicolaisen, Vang (Buch Jensen 90’), Poulsen, Jürgensen, Olsen, Faour and Thychosen.
Málaga CF: Kellyan, Álex Robles, Youssef, Maty (Cristóbal 90’), Álex Sánchez (Ismael Casas 86’), Arturo -c-, José Carlos, Joel, Kuki Zalazar, Hicham and Jony (Mario 65’).
Goals: Thychosen (7’ y 24’), Poulsen (85’) and Vang (88’).
Referee: Jari Järvinen (Finland). Yellow cards were shown to local players: Madsen (74’) and Thychosen (93’); and from the Blue and Whites: Álex Robles (47’), Kuki Zalazar (59’), Maty (63’) and Kellyan (93’). Malaguistas, Joel (46’) and Arturo (92’) were sent off with direct red cards.
Information: Arena Herning (Herning, Denmark), in front of around a thousand fans. Return leg of the UEFA Youth League second round knockout tie. The overall result was 4-2, with FC Midtjylland qualifying to the next round.
