The Blue and Whites’ reserve team had a lot to play for today, and kicked off to an intense start at a tough ground. The home side piled the pressure on Malagueño, but the visitors attempted to gain control early on in the game, beginning with a good chance for Rufo. Despite a number of goal opportunities for Salva Ballesta’s boys, the score board remained 0-0 at half-time.
During the second half, the Blue and Whites’ combined moments of pressure with moments of withdrawal, and the substitutions were a breath of fresh air into the match for the ‘Malaguistas’. Ernesto, who hasn’t been in action since the return leg match against Linares when he was sent off, celebrated his return today with two goals. However during the celebrations of the first goal, local keeper Jesús left his area and spat on Pedro Mérida. The Fuengirola-born player retaliated with a slap on the back, and the referee showed him the red card.
Despite being a player down, the ‘Malaguistas’ performed well and sealed their victory with a second goal in the last minute of normal time.
This victory leaves Atlético Malagueño in second place in the group today, tied on points with leaders, Linares Deportivo, who tomorrow are up against Atlético Mancha Real. The Blue and Whites’ boys are a point ahead of Marbella FC, who are playing host to Vélez CF this weekend. Atlético Malagueño welcomes Los Molinos on Thursday 1st May at 11:30 a.m. at the ‘Federación Malagueña’ ground.
Match stats:
Melilla B: Jesús, Salah, Melli, Bouzzian, Jose Pedro, El Hazzazi (Mimoun, 57’), Abdela (Mojzi, 57’), El Gazzi, Melik, Bourian and Koeman.
At. Malagueño: Toni, Jurado, Calero (Marrufo, 59’), Álex Portillo, Víctor Ruiz, Deco, Rafa de Vicente, Juanpi (Ernesto, 57’), Samu Castillejo (Joel, 81’), Rufo and Pedro Mérida.
Goals:
0-1 Min 77 Ernesto
0-2 Min 89 Ernesto
Referee: Rojas Domínguez, Pedro. Yellow cards were shown to ‘Malaguistas’: Toni and Rufo, and Pedro Mérida was shown the red card (77’).
