FÚTBOL

In the twelfth edition of the Trofeo de Feria Ciudad de Ceuta, held at Alfonso Murube Stadium, Ceuta emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Málaga. The local team triumphed against the recently promoted LaLiga EA Sport side.

Context and Background

The match took place in a special context for Ceuta as it hosted its first significant sporting event since the mass influx of people through the border with Morocco. Before the game, there was a minute's silence to honor those who lost their lives while attempting to reach the city from the coast.

Sports facilities were closed due to the migration crisis, and the annual swimming race had been canceled for August 5th. Málaga fielded an entirely different lineup compared to its previous day's match in Marbella.

Match Play

Ceuta took control of the game from the start but lacked depth in their actions. A corner kick allowed the locals to take a 1-0 lead at the 35th minute with a header by central defender Carlos Hernández, which deflected off visiting player Salinas and found its way into the net.

Málaga equalized quickly at the 39th minute when Haitam scored from a direct free-kick taken from just outside the penalty area, beating Guille Vallejo's save. The Andalusian side pressed in the final minutes of the first half but regained the lead right before halftime with a goal by Kuki Zalazar after two rebounds inside the box.

The second half was dominated by Málaga's possession, although they failed to add more goals. Omar Sadik had a clear chance at 55th minute but his shot went wide of the near post. Ceuta responded in the final stages and put pressure on the Malagueno goal, but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

Conclusion

Málaga did not test goalkeeper Pedro López's skills again, while the locals had several chances to extend their lead but failed to do so. The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Ceuta, securing the Trofeo de Feria Ciudad de Ceuta for the twelfth consecutive year.

The attendance was 2,723 spectators and there was a minute's silence in memory of those who lost their lives during the migration crisis.