Málaga CF came up against CD Eldense this Wednesday 6th December, in this single match second round Copa del Rey 23/24 clash.
The Blue and White starting-11 consisted of: Carlos López; Bilal, Moussa, Einar, Víctor; Juanpe, Izan Merino (debut), Juan Hernández, Antoñito C., Larrubia and Loren.
The match got off to an electric start, as both teams took to the pitch with the clear intention of taking an early lead on the scoreboard. The visitors threatened on a couple of occasions within the Malaguista area, but both the Blue and White goalkeeper and the defence didn’t allow the ball to reach the goal at any time.
The locals also flirted with the goal. Víctor and Cordero saw how their powerful shots from outside the area didn’t manage to find the target. The homegrown player tried his luck again with a direct free kick from distance, but his attempt grazed the post.
After the 29th minute, Juan Hernández complained of a hamstring strain in his right leg and was forced to leave the pitch. He made way for homegrown player Aarón Ochoa to share his debut along with Izan Merino.
The home side’s insistence was finally rewarded with Juanpe's goal. The midfielder headed in a great corner served up by Cordero in the 41st minute. The number 8, who was having a great game in the wide area, brought the 12,720 fans in La Rosaleda’s stands to their feet. At half-time the home side was 1-0 up.
In the second half the duel continued with the same script; with both teams eager to compete and make the crowd happy.
Moussa came close to increasing the lead in the 60th minute. The central defender headed a great corner cross from Cordero in the heart of the area. However, his attempt was stopped in its tracks by the goalkeeper.
Despite both teams’ insistence, the scoreboard remained the same and Málaga CF are through to the next round of the Cup competition.
