Spanish football: Málaga CF
Spain Buddy’s Spanish football series kicks back with an overview of Málaga CF, as Matthew Hirtes continues his tour of the country’s clubs.
©MalagaCFMálaga CF…in 90 seconds
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Málaga CF play their home games at Estadio La Rosaleda, one of Spain’s leading grounds. Since its inauguration in 1941, the stadium has hosted Copa del Rey finals and international fixtures. Including World Cup matches when the tournament was played there back in 1982.
Legends
You know there’ll be forever enshrined in the history of Málaga CF when the club name parts of the stadium after certain players. And so Pedro Bázan (1922-1992) who finished top scorer three times of what’s become LaLiga 2 when the club were still known as CD Málaga will never be forgotten. Elsewhere at the La Rosaleda, Gate Number 8’s named after Migueli (1942-2002) aka Miguel Ramos Vargas who, with 271 Primera Líga games, has played more top-flight matches than any other Málaga footballer.
Málaga CF Form Guide
They’re not one of Spanish football big names (as pre-season fixtures lined up with the likes of Sheffield United show) but Málaga CF have plenty of history. Formed on 3rd April 1904 as Málaga Football Club, a year before Chelsea FC for example, their trophy haul includes four Spanish second division titles along with an Intertoto Cup win back in 2002. They’re celebrating their 10th consecutive season in La Liga and finished comfortably in midtable in 2016-17 with Gran Canaria’s Sandro, a summer signing from Barça, notching 14 goals in 30 games. Back in 2012-13, however, with Manuel Pellegrini in charge and the likes of Isco, Nacho Monreal, Big Willy Caballero, and Martín Demichelis in the side, they topped a Champions League group containing AC Milan before going out to eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.
Club Shop Essential Purchase
Given their setting on the Costa del Sol, how about shelling out for some Málaga CF swimming shorts? Look resplendent in blue and white with this 19,90€ purchase.
Eat/Drink At
You’ll get merry for less in Málaga with the cheapest beer in the whole of Spain. Meaning you can sup on a caña (half pint) of lager for just 0,40€. Soak up the booze by ordering from a classicially Andalucian menu at the central El Pimpi which also boasts a traditional patio.
Support
La Rosaleda can fit 30,044 rears on its seats. These may include the derrieres of Málaga-supporting celebrities such as internationally-famous actor Antonio Banderas and singers who are more widely known in Spain than anywhere else: Marisol and Pablo Alborán. Look out for the Guiri Army banners as it’s estimated that around 10% of Málaga fans are British expats.
Terrace Anthem
Damage to Your Wallet
The pitch at La Rosaleda is on its summer holidays. You can, however, combine a visit to the club’s museum with a stadium tour (10€ for adults, 5€ for children). Season tickets for 2017-2018 have been kept at 2016-17’s prices if renewing and you can pick up a children’s one for 80€.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
