Málaga CF arrived in Galicia last Friday, with the clear intention of protecting their Spanish Championship crown, and are now just a step away from doing so. The MCF Academy side defeated RC Celta de Vigo at O Couto stadium in Oursense by three goals to two. It was a heart-stopping match, which places the team in the final on Saturday 6th May at 12:00 at the same location.
In the first minutes of play, there was a lot of back and forth between both teams as they sought possession, but it was RC Celta who approached the area with more insistence. Malaguista goalkeeper, Kellyan saved a powerful shot in minute 12, and the Malaguista defence effectively put paid to the Galician rival’s attempts. However, it was the opponent who went ahead in minute 26 with a goal from Alberto (0-1).
Following the goal, the Blue and Whites tried to increase their presence in the rival area. First it was Hugo, then Joel a few minutes later who tried to outwit the keeper with headers that went over the crossbar. Just before half-time, Hicham tried his luck from in front of the area, but the keeper blocked the low shot.
In the second half, things got crazy. Málaga CF shamelessly launched their attack and provoked a penalty two minutes into play. Pedro brought down Jony inside the area, and he was subsequently sent off with a double yellow card. Despite not being successful from the 11-metre mark, the Blue and Whites were determined to turn the game around.
Hicham, Joel and Cedenilla all made approaches, but it was Alberto in minute 74 who got a goal with a tight shot towards the target (1-1). At the same post, Escardó put his team in the lead with an impeccable execution from a free kick in minute 85 (2-1).
The goal in the final stage of play made you think the scoreboard wouldn’t move again. However, Celta de Vigo scored another goal thanks to Ton to equalise in the 87th minute (2-2), bringing more excitement, as if there wasn’t enough, to the semi-final.
In stoppage time, when a penalty shoot-out looked the most likely outcome, Escardó scored another goal to the delight of the Malaguistas, bringing silence amongst the Galician fans at O Couto stadium. The number ‘16’ sent the ball into the heart of the area from a set piece, which made it to the back of the net (3-2, minute 90).
Following this tense match, Dely Valdés’ boys reach the grand final of the XXIII Copa de Campeones, and are just a step away from retaining their Spanish Championship title.
Match stats
Málaga CF: Kellyan, Álex Robles, Juande, Yousef, Iván (Antoñín 69’), Hugo (Escardó 55’), Joel, Maty, Cedenilla, Jony (Alberto 64’) and Hicham (Eppy 85’).
RC Celta de Vigo: Galnares, Riki, Juanma, Salgueiro, Pampin, Álex Rey, José Sobrido (Gabri 65’), Alberto (77’Ton), Aarón (Guille 54’), Carlos and Pedro.
Goals:
0-1 Alberto (26’)
1-1 Alberto (74’)
2-1 Escardó (85’)
2-2 Ton (87’)
3-2 Escardó (90’)
Referee: Fernández Rodríguez. Yellow cards were shown to visitors; Alberto (70’), Riki was sent off with a double yellow (33’ and 89’), along with Pedro (42’ and 47’) and Álex Rey (81’ and 90’); and from the Blue and Whites, Alberto (63’), Antoñín (69’) and Hicham (86’).
Information: Semi-final of the XXIII Copa de Campeones juvenil. The match was held at O Couto stadium in Ourense, in front of 1,000 fans.
