Málaga eyes victory in almeria – one goal stands between them and promotion
The relentless pursuit of promotion continues for Málaga as they head to Almeria this weekend, clinging to a slender one-goal advantage earned in the first leg of the playoff semi-final.
A calculated gamble: funes’s tactics pay off
Despite surrendering a significant portion of their home-field advantage, the Málaga squad, orchestrated by Juanfran Funes, has meticulously prepared a strategic plan to neutralize Almeria’s home support. A 0-0 stalemate – and potentially a 120-minute affair – would be enough to propel them into Primera División, a feat that’s become a near-obsessive focus for the club.
Beyond the draw: a record of away dominance
The 0-0 draw itself felt like a victory for Málaga. The 30,083 fans packed into La Rosaleda witnessed a frustratingly even encounter, but a palpable sense of optimism permeated the locker room. As Carlos Dotor stated, “We did it in Las Palmas that 0-1 win. We’re not backing down at home. Ultimately, it’s just another game. Logically, we don’t have that same atmosphere, but the pitch is the same, the grass is the same, and the ball is the same. We have the weapons to score a goal and not let Almeria get one past us.”
A string of away wins
Javi Montero echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s unwavering desire: “We want it and we’re full of enthusiasm. We’re just a goal ahead of them in getting to Primera, and I can feel it in the dressing room.” Remarkably, Málaga has secured four consecutive victories on the road in recent weeks – a testament to Funes’s transformative coaching. From being the fourth-worst team in LaLiga Hypermotion away from home, they’ve ascended to become the best fifth-placed team in the regular season.
From eibar to zaragoza: a resurgence
The evidence is undeniable: a 2-4 triumph over Eibar, a crucial 1-0 victory in the first leg against Las Palmas, a stunning 1-4 win in Ceuta, and a decisive 0-2 victory against the relegated Zaragoza – these results paint a dramatic picture of a club reborn on the road. The transformation under Funes has been nothing short of astonishing.
“One goal and primera” – the mantra of málaga
The club's unwavering mantra – “One goal and Primera” – has become a driving force, a simple yet potent declaration of intent. It’s a challenge they’re prepared to meet, and if they succeed, it will mark the culmination of a remarkable, five-year journey. The pressure is immense, but the reward – a return to the top flight – is worth fighting for. And frankly, the odds are stacking in their favour.