Malaga beat Burgos 3-0 at La Rosaleda on Friday night, a result that keeps the Andalusian club's promotion push on track and leaves them outside the automatic La Liga 2 promotion places only on goal difference.
David Larrubia opened the scoring for the home side before Carlos Ruiz Rubio, known to supporters as Chupete, headed in a second that drew a roar from the crowd described as both celebratory and affectionate. Chupete, a 21-year-old Andalucian forward, has scored 10 goals this season and was substituted to a standing ovation.
A club shaped by history
Football arrived in Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, on the tide of British sailors, many of them Scots. Fans mark the club's birthdate as 1904, though the present version of Malaga Club de Futbol was formally established after the Second World War, with football having been played in the city for more than a century.
Nearby in Seville, a football club was formed on Burns Night in 1890, one of its leading figures Edward Farquharson Johnston. It was inaugurated after a supper marking the national bard, with haggis and whisky giving way to sporting conversation.
Fans reflect on a rollercoaster era
"It has been a rollercoaster," said Juan, standing outside La Rosaleda five hours before kick-off with his friends Diego and Martin. "It's been up, it's been down," he added.
The three had parked up and were heading to a restaurant on the edge of the old town for pre-match preparations. "We like to take our time, have some nice food, enjoy some conversation before the game," Juan said. "It's a cultural aspect."
Juan recalled Malaga's 2012-13 Champions League run, which ended when Borussia Dortmund eliminated the club, known as the Boquerones, with what he considered a clearly offside goal. He also remembered the climax of the 2023-24 season, when Malaga scored twice in extra time in the third division play-offs to earn promotion to La Liga 2.
"Much of this doesn't matter," Juan said of games past. "You do not support a team because of where it stands in terms of leagues or cups. You support it because it is part of who you are. I am a Malagueno so this is my team. It is a matter of culture."
Qatari ownership dispute
Qatari interests bought the club in 2010, bringing in players including Santi Cazorla, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Martin Demichelis alongside local talent such as Isco, under manager Manuel Pellegrini.
That investment has since dried up amid a legal dispute that saw a judicial administration installed, with a judge, Jose Maria Munoz Jiminez, serving as club president.
"It is difficult to understand so not easy to explain," Juan said. He explained that although a Qatari sheikh owns the majority of shares, the club now falls under Spanish legal jurisdiction. There have been reports of moves to resolve the dispute, particularly from Qatari interests.
"We only know what we read or hear from other fans," Juan said. "But we could do nothing about what happened and we are powerless in the legal battle. But we are blue and white and always will be. We were there in the Champions League. We were there in the third division. We are here today."
Stadium tour and 2030 World Cup hopes
La Rosaleda is considered a contender to host matches at the 2030 World Cup. On a stadium and museum tour the morning after the Burgos match, fan Michael said he had brought his son to see the pitch and dressing rooms but preferred the history himself.
"The past is what makes a club," Michael said. "It can be judged good or bad but it is part of our lives no matter what emotions it brings." On the possibility of Malaga hosting World Cup matches, he said: "It is all politics. For me, it is enough to know that we as a club seem secure now." Michael pays about 300 euros for his season ticket.
Larrubia and Chupete shine
The talents of David Larrubia and Dani Lorenzo were evident from a 40-euro seat behind the goals. If Larrubia plays the delicate matador, Chupete is described as a ruthless bludgeoner of defences, his physical menace in front of goal invigorating the crowd.
"He will take us to La Liga this season," said a fan watching the match. "He is what we call an English centre forward. Strong and tough."
