Nati Gutiérrez selected a starting-11 with a change in goal as Lucía was back in place of Andrea Romero; captain Encarni, María Cortés, Candela and Marina in defence; Andrea Ríos and Tati on the double pivot, with Gabi and María Ruiz on the wings; and a double 9’ with Futu and Claudia, both of whom scored goals last weekend in Castalia.

Aldaia got off to a good start against a Málaga who midway into the first half made a dangerous approach from the right wing, with an attempt from Futu.

The psychological and ultimately decisive blow came just before half-time. Nuria Pomer, during a play in which Lucía claimed a foul, put Aldaia in the lead (0-1, 44').

Once again this season, the match turned into an uphill struggle. The team went all out for the equaliser in the second half. In 51’, Tati and Claudia could have scored. A minute later, Nati brought on fresh legs, with Clo and Buceta plus the always impulsive Farfán.  It was Clo, in 57’, who sent the ball into the crossbar. Edna brought more impetus upfront, joining the game in 73’ in place of Futu.

The last quarter of an hour was full of chances without reward. Attempts from Andrea Ríos, Edna, Encarni with shots that grazed the post, and Claudia in 90’, could have taken the game level. But it wasn’t to be, and the girls lost 0-1.

Following three out of 10 games in Group Sur D of Reto Iberdrola, Málaga CF are fifth in the standings with 17 points, the last of the positions marking permanency in the category.