This was a historic afternoon for Málaga Club de Fútbol’s women’s team, with the Blue and White first team playing their first ever game in the MCF era at La Rosaleda Stadium. In the Preferencia Baja section, a total of 2.145 Malaguistas were cheering on the girls.
On the pitch, Ayala selected the following starting-11: María Arrabal; Encarni, Ruth ©, Silvia Mérida, Marina; Lorena, María Cortés, Teté, Bertuchi; Carmen Gómez and Torralvo.
Málaga got off to a pacey start in the opening minutes. Teté, in 5’, had a chance with a good display from Torralvo. In 13’, Silvia Mérida from the 30-metre mark, hit the crossbar. The first opportunity for Zaragoza arrived in minute 17, with two attempts that went wide for Judith Sanz, who was later substituted after half an hour of play due to injury. Her replacement, Racheal became the visitors’ most dangerous player due to her speed and power.
Then in stoppage time, MCFF made their second shot at the crossbar. A lateral free kick from Bertuchi was deflected by the rival keeper and the ball hit the bar. The scoreboard remained at 0-0 at half-time.
The same script used during the first half was repeated in the second, with a more dominant Málaga against a well-positioned and serious Zaragoza in defence. In 63’, Ayala made the first substitution, bringing on Luisa Olmedo in central defence in place of an injured Silvia Mérida.
The match advanced without too many incidents in either area, with the defenders containing the attacks. In minute 77, a very fatigued Carmen Gómez made way for the versatile Farfán, who was situated on the left wing, with Bertuchi moving upfront alongside Torralvo. In the final stretch of play, Zaragoza CFF came close with a couple of isolated attempts from Andrea Álvarez, prevented by a solid María Arrabal. At full-time, the match remained tied with a goalless draw.
Claudia Muñoz came on in place of an exhausted Lorena just before extra time. The fatigue, predominantly due to the dimensions of the pitch, was brutal. In 102’, Ayala introduced Clo and Yoli for Marina (injured) and Torralvo.
A more complete Zaragoza made the odd arrival at Arrabal’s goal. In 116’, Racheal put the Malaguista keeper to the test, who was superb in each of her interventions. In 119’, MCFF made their final change: Carlota for Teté. With no time for more, the 0-0 result meant a penalty shoot-out was on the way.
María Arrabal crowned her great match by saving two penalties. Farfán, Carlota, Clo and Claudia all scored to seal the definitive 4-2 win for MCF Femenino, who qualify to the third round of the Copa de la Reina. Congratulations, girls!