Season 2022-2023

Fifth consecutive season in the Second Division and the eighth in history as MCF. Excitement and very high expectations among the environment and the fans shaped the preseason, with high-profile signings for the silver category, with special mention for none other than a historic national ‘pichichi’ like Rubén Castro.

 

However, a start with five defeats in the first six matchdays led to the departure of coach Pablo Guede. Especially painful was the home debut (0-4 against UD Las Palmas). The arrival of Pepe Mel on the blanquiazul bench did not translate into an improvement in results. With the veteran Madrid-born coach, in 18 league matches, only three victories were achieved, while the constant nine draws left a bittersweet taste.

 

Likewise, in the traditionally elusive Copa del Rey, the team was knocked out in the second round against Nàstic in Tarragona. Always stuck in the lower positions of the standings, the team failed to take off and began the second half of the championship with just one point out of nine. Thus, the club entrusted a man from the house, Sergio Pellicer, with the reins of the bench from matchday 25 until the end of the season.

With the tactical boost from the coach from Nules and an impassioned fan base, both at La Rosaleda and in every away trip, Málaga CF clung to the division and managed, between matchdays 33 and 37, to achieve four victories in five games that kept the team alive. But it was not to be.

 

On a sad May 20th, 2023, on matchday 41 of the League, a harsh 2-1 defeat against Alavés at Mendizorroza sealed relegation to Primera Federación. This marked the end of 25 consecutive years in the two main categories of Spanish football—the most glorious sporting cycle in the Club’s history under any of its names, with 17 seasons in the top flight and eight in the second tier between 1998 and 2023.

 

Málaga Club de Fútbol finished in 20th place in the standings, with 44 points, six away from safety, set by Real Sporting and Villarreal B. Rubén Castro, with ten goals, was the team’s top scorer of the 22/23 season.