Málaga CF HubWhat happened in the match?
Málaga CF has been eliminated in the second round of the Copa del Rey by CF Talavera. The team lost 2-1 in a match played at the Estadio El Prado.
Juanfran Funes' team dominated the game during the first half, but couldn't convert their chances into goals. Local goalkeeper Jaime González became a key figure by stopping several shots from Málaga CF.
A repeating script
The elimination is particularly painful, as it's the second consecutive year the team has been knocked out by a lower-category opponent. The 2-1 score repeats the result of the only previous match between the two teams, a June 7, 1998 match in the promotion phase to Segunda División that also ended with a local victory.
Talavera's double blow
After the break, the script of the match changed drastically. CF Talavera took the lead in the 55th minute thanks to a volley from Sergio Montero from the front of the area, which surprised the Málaga CF defense.
Málaga CF tried to reduce the distance with more heart than head. The reward for their insistence came late, in the 89th minute, when Adrián Niño scored the final 2-1 after a cross from debutant Ibon Badiola.
| Player | Minutes played |
|---|---|
| Jaime González | 90 |
| Sergio Montero | 76 |
Consequences of the defeat
The defeat is a major blow to Málaga CF, which is left without options to continue advancing in the Copa del Rey. The team must focus on the league and try to improve its position in the standings.
Málaga CF played with the following lineup: Carlos López; Gabilondo, Murillo, Montero, Dani Sánchez; Arriaza, Ochoa, Rafa Rodríguez; Haitam, Lobete and Chupete.
