Málaga CF secured a historic 3-2 victory over José Mourinho's Real Madrid on December 22, 2012, at La Rosaleda stadium. This win, originally reported by Sport.es, came during a season where the Andalusian side was competing in the Champions League.
How did the match unfold?
The match, corresponding to matchday 17 of the 2012-13 La Liga season, remained goalless in the first half. Isco, one of the stars of that Málaga CF side, broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. Real Madrid managed to equalize thanks to an own goal by Sergio Sánchez. However, Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz became the hero of the day. Santa Cruz scored Málaga's second goal in the 72nd minute and, just minutes later, netted the third to make it 3-1. A late goal from Karim Benzema set the final score at 3-2.
That Málaga CF lineup, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, featured names like Caballero, Demichelis, Toulalan, Joaquín, and Saviola. For his part, Mourinho made a decision that generated major controversy by benching starting goalkeeper Iker Casillas, giving the opportunity to Antonio Adán.
What did Mourinho say about Málaga CF?
The relationship between José Mourinho and the Málaga CF club had a previous chapter filled with statements. In 2011, the Portuguese coach stated that if Real Madrid dispensed with his services, he would not follow in Manuel Pellegrini's footsteps to manage Málaga CF. Mourinho said his destination would be a big club in England or Italy. Later, Mourinho himself clarified his position. "I had nothing against the club or the city", he said, according to the report.
Manuel Pellegrini, for his part, responded at the time that he was proud to manage Málaga CF. This verbal exchange added extra spice to the subsequent clash at La Rosaleda, where the Chilean emerged with the footballing victory.
What did that season mean for Málaga CF?
The 2012-13 campaign represents the highest point in Málaga CF's recent history. Not only did they achieve memorable league victories, but they also staged an unforgettable European feat. The team reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the club's best continental participation. Their adventure ended at Signal Iduna Park, where they were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund with a 3-2 aggregate score.
It was a solid and competitive team, built to shine in Europe. That squad, with its recognizable style of play, left an indelible mark on the fans. You can review the names of the players who forged that era in our squad section.
What is Málaga CF's current context?
The original report notes that, over thirteen years later, Málaga and Mourinho would meet again, with the coach back at Real Madrid and the Andalusian club back in the top flight. Currently, Málaga CF looks to the immediate future in domestic competition. The team's next official fixture will be against Athletic Club, a match to be played at home on November 29, 2026. All information about upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.
The memory of that afternoon at La Rosaleda serves as a reminder of the club's potential. With the team back in the First Division, the fans hope to build new feats. To follow the team's progress in the standings, you can check the standings.
