Málaga CF and Barakaldo CF met this Wednesday 1st November, All Saints' Day, in the first round of the Copa del Rey this 23/24 season. The locals, who entered this game after 46 consecutive matches without defeat, currently compete in 2ª RFEF Group 2, and are in second place in the standings.
Pellicer made some rotations and the starting-11 consisted of: Carlos López; Bilal, Nelson, Einar, Murillo; Haitam, Genaro, Dani Lorenzo, Antoñito C.; J. Hernández and Loren Zúñiga. The Malagueño goalkeeper made his official debut with the Blue and White first team.
Despite the changes compared to the previous starting line-up at El Maulí, the team kicked off with great intensity and enjoyed a double opportunity before reaching the first minute of play, the work of J. Hernández and Haitam.
Both teams went all out in the initial minutes of play, yet the match was pretty even and neither managed to get ahead on the scoreboard. The first 'setback' was for the Blue and Whites, who had to make a substitution due to the discomfort suffered by Nelson Monte in the 39th minute. Juvenil player, Santaella went on for the Portuguese centre-back and made his debut in an official match with the Malaguista first team.
The first half ended 0-0 at the Nuevo Lasesarre and after passing through the dressing room, Pellicer kept the same players on the pitch. At the start of the second half, driven by the support of their fans, Barakaldo CF tried with greater conviction, but Málaga CF remained strong in defence.
Pellicer introduced some changes and the Blue and Whites noticed the fresh legs with an improvement in attack, reaching Jon Tena's goal with greater clarity and frequency. Haitam and J. Hernández were replaced by Juanpe and D. Larrubia in the 73rd minute, whilst Dioni and Roberto came on for Genaro and Loren Zúñiga with four minutes remaining in the match.
Regulation time came to an end and both teams were preparing to play a tough extra time, led by rain and incessant wind. Due to the physical load, inaccuracies prevented either team from taking the lead. Dani Sánchez came on in place of a tired Murillo almost in the 100th minute. Equality remained until the 120th minute and the tie would be decided in a penalty shootout.
Antoñito C., Roberto, Juanpe and Dani Lorenzo scored from the penalty spot whilst Carlos López made two superb saves to get the Malaguistas to the next round of the Cup competition. The draw for the next round will take place next Tuesday when Málaga CF will discover their rival.