Málaga CF completed the day’s matches with a well-deserved 1-1 draw against UD Almería in Saturday’s second friendly, held on the main pitch at Marbella Football Center.
Coach José Alberto called-up 17 players, different to the ones from the earlier game. He also alternated the system within the numerous logistical tests carried out during the pre-season, opting for a 1-4-3-3 formation on the main pitch at Marbella Football Center.
Gonzalo was in goal; Bilal, Juande, Lombán and Cristo in defence; Escassi as anchor with Ismael Gutiérrez and Jozabed on the inside; Paulino and Hicham were on the wings; and Brandon was upfront with a lot of mobility.
The start of play was electric, with both teams focused on vertical play in search of the rival goal. Almería took the lead in minute 15 as Samu beat Gonzalo with a cross shot into goal from the left of the area (0-1).
The Blue and Whites, once again dressed in the home jersey, soon rebuilt themselves and piled the pressure on upfront until they equalised. In the 19th minute Escassi gained possession in midfield, reached Brandon who passed between the lines to assist Paulino who launched a powerful shot into goal from inside the area (1-1).
With Hicham seeking to tip the balance on the left, Málaga maintained their attacking display until half-time.
There was a triple Malaguista substitution to kick off the second half. Quintana, Oso and Julio came on for Escassi, Paulino and Hicham. Lorenzo, Santos and Antoñito also played, replacing Brandon, Gonzalo and Bilal.
The game slowed down somewhat, and control stayed with the transitions, leaving the 1-1 draw as the final score after 90 minutes.
Great sensations against Rubi’s team, one of the most powerful in LaLiga SmartBank, to end a marathon double-match day in Marbella.
The team has a day off on Sunday and will return to training on Monday with their batteries fully charged for another intense week of work.
