1998-1999 Season

This was another historic season for the malaguistas. After promotion to the Second Division, Málaga Club de Fútbol put together another ambitious project with the object of confirming its place as quickly as possible in the ‘League of the Stars’. A total of 18 new signings joined the new man at the helm: Joaquín Peiró.

The Martiricos Club won its first game in Second with a 2 – 1 win over Eibar, goals scored by Brahim and Zárate. The team worked, even though four consecutive defeats almost resulted in the dismissal of the coach from Madrid. But the 3 – 2 victory over Logroñes, with a double scored by Basti prevented his departure.

From then on the blue and whites soared, playing entertaining and attacking football. The arrival of Edgar and Rufete in the winter market contributed to this. Also, Catanha scored 26 goals to become the top goal scorer in the Division. In a spectacular run of results, the team stood out with triumphs over Sevilla in the Sánchez Pizjuán (2-3), Recreativo de Huelva (3-1) and Mérida (4-3).

Without doubt, if there was one game that should be remembered it was none other than the Málaga v Albacete, played on 30th May 1999. If Málaga managed to win, it would be promoted mathematically. With La Rosaleda decked out for the occasion and filled to the rafters in a game played at midday, the Manchego outfit opened the score minutes after the start. However, soon afterwards, Bravo levelled with a superbly taken free kick. This was followed with goals from Edgar and Agostinho that settled them down despite another goal scored by the visitors (3-2).

After the final whistle from referee Undiano Mallenco, the overjoyed and jubilant fans jumped onto the pitch to celebrate the Club’s promotion, blocking the exit of the players, technical staff and executives. Much later, the entire city spilled onto the streets to celebrate another historic promotion. Málaga and Málaga Club de Fútbol once again belonged to a select group in Spain’s football elite. The team went on to finish as Second Division League Champions.

Catanha, with 26 goals was top scorer of the team that campaign (he also scored 2 in the Cup, a total of 28). Ruano and Edgar, with 6 goals, were left trailing behind the Hispano-Brazilian striker.