| First Division - Day 37 | |
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Real Sociedad 1 - Málaga 1 Real Sociedad:
Alberto; López Rekarte, Schürrer, Kvarme, Aranzábal
(Potillón 46'); Xabi Alonso, Aramburu; Karpin, Nihat (De Paula 46'),
Gabilondo (Lee Chun Soo 46'); Kovacevic. 4-2-3-1. Team changes: Real: Kovacevic for Xavi Prieto / Málaga: Romero for Valcarce. Goals: A capacity crowd turned up at the Anoeta stadium for the last match of the season, relieved to see that their presence wasn't really needed as their side had already escaped relegation thanks to the defeats of Celta and Valladolid the day before. Strangely though that meant they didn't have to cheer their players on at all cost, and as a result they ended up booing and whistling their own players for the disappointing season they had had. The match was preceded by a presentation to left winger Javier De Pedro, who may in the end be the first of several players to leave this summer, and he was given a hero's ovation by the fans. Málaga were still in with a chance of a UEFA cup spot though, needing a win to overtake Villarreal, and the early chances fell to them Insúa heading wide and Josemi testing Alberto with a long shot. Real's only replies were a couple of tame efforts from Schürrer and Kovacevic, and after another roasting from the fans at the break, Denoueix made three changes for the second half. Even so they went behind, Duda beating Alberto with a long free kick which the keeper should perhaps have stopped, but ten minutes later Lee Chun Soo burst down the left wing and set up Kovacevic for the equaliser. With an inferior head-to-head record with Villarreal, the result left the Andalucians out of contention for the last UEFA spot. The draw didn't satisfy the local supporters though, and Denoueix will be expected to do better next season or else. |
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