La Rosaleda hosted Atlético Malagueño’s last match in the final permanence phase of Third Division Group IX, with the reserve team defeating Huétor Vega (3-0). 

Juanfran Funes’ lads arrived at this game having already qualified to the promotion playoffs to the new Segunda RFEF, so just first or second place was at stake.

The starting-11 comprised of Gonzalo in goal; Rafa Camacho, Mati, Murillo and Eu in a line of four; Quintana and Mini on the double pivot; Juan Cruz, Larrubia and Julio highly mobile in midfield; and Vicario as number nine. Team captain Mini, following his first team debut on Saturday night, was back in action at La Rosaleda 13 hours later.

The match soon went in the boys’ favour. The Blue and White reserve team needed just four minutes to take the lead. Juan Cruz received the ball on the right, made it to the area and launched it to the far post for a Julio finish (1-0, min 4).

With a few minutes before half-time, Quintana scored the second Malaguista goal, heading a Rafa Camacho corner kick into the goal (2-0 min 39).

In the second half, Malagueño continued their attack and soon sealed the deal thanks to Vicario, who headed in a good cross from Rafa Camacho (3-0 min 56).

Juanfran Funes freshened up the team, introducing the five permitted substitutions in two almost consecutive windows. In 56’, Andrés Caro - who debuted today with the reserve team - and Haitam replaced Mati and Vicario. Seven minutes later, Miguel de la Osa, Torres and Fomba came on for Gonzalo, Mini and Larrubia.

Despite chances for Haitam and Fomba, the scoreboard didn’t change, with the final result a comfortable 3-0 win.

Atlético Malagueño end the final permanence phase in first place, with 41 points and a coefficient of 1,7083. Focus is now on the playoffs to Segunda RFEF.