Funes and Bravo’s starting-11 was made up of Gonzalo in goal; Benítez, Murillo, ‘juvenil’ Mati and Víctor Olmo in defence; captain Mini and Quintana on the double pivot; Juan Cruz and Kevin on the wings, ‘juvenil’ Larrubia as playmaker and Julito upfront. Eu, Mario da Costa, Camacho, Vicario and Fomba also played.

Before the match got underway, with over a thousand fans in the stands (including numerous Malaguista supporters), the Club gifted a Blue and White shirt to former Malaguista player and local team captain Alberto Aguilar, who hung up his boots in this match.

Kevin and Cruz were highly active on the wings in the opening stages. In 10’ Larrubia could have scored with a header in what was the best chance for Funes’ lads in the first half. Antequera barely approached Gonzalo’s goal and Juan Cruz, around the half-time mark, generated another good opportunity that grazed the post.

It was more of the same in the second half. Malagueño went all out for a goal, particularly on the wings with a highly participative Kevin, whilst Antequera stayed consistent in defence knowing that a draw was enough for them to win the tie. Once again Larrubia had the clearest chance to get a goal in the closing stages with a shot from inside the area. Mario da Costa also came close, in 87’, with a long shot deflected by local keeper Iván.

The scoreboard remained at 0-0 after 90 minutes and the match went to extra time. Despite fatigue, Antequera managed to keep a clean sheet and focused on actions that continually interrupted the game. Meanwhile, Malagueño didn’t manage to create any clear opportunities as the chances of victory started to fade. Then in 116’ the locals netted the winning goal from a rapid transition in which Álvaro Narbona assisted Crespo who surpassed Gonzalo inside the area.

A 1-0 victory for Antequera and disappointment for the Blue and Whites who fought until the end, as they’ve done all season, against the odds. The lads miss out on promotion to Segunda RFEF. Such a shame.

Photos: Carlos Guerrero