The Málaga CF secured the Trofeo Costa del Sol following an unusual conclusion against Fulham FC, which ended in a 2-2 draw during regulation time before the English side declined to participate in a penalty shootout, according to local media reports.
Match Progression and Early Setbacks at the Costa del Sol Trophy
The fixture at the Costa del Sol tournament began with an immediate personnel hurdle for the hosts. Málaga forward Adrián Niño exited the pitch early due to an injury scare, forcing manager Juanfran Funes to adjust his setup. Rafa Rodríguez entered the match as a midfielder, shifting the formation to a 4-3-3 structure. Despite Málaga holding territorial control early on, Fulham capitalized on the dynamic play of winger Oscar Bobb and broke the deadlock when Ryan Sessegnon converted a header at the far post, as detailed by COPE.
Málaga responded swiftly. A moment of individual brilliance from David Larrubia set up Chupe, who finished cleanly to level the score at 1-1. Fulham threatened again before halftime through Timothy Castagne, but Málaga weathered the pressure and maintained momentum into the interval.
Second-Half Goals and Álvaro Arbeloa’s Dismissal
After the restart, Málaga pressed forward but fell victim to Fulham’s efficiency in the final third. Nigerian international Alex Iwobi put the visitors ahead again following a fluid team move down the flanks, punishing the Spanish side’s defensive lapses.
Funes utilized a wave of substitutions to inject energy into the squad, refreshing legs and avoiding further injuries ahead of the upcoming league campaign. The tactical changes paid off in the 90th minute when substitute Eneko Jauregi converted a penalty kick following a clear handball in the box, bringing the scoreline back level at 2-2.
Tempers flared at the final whistle. Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa received a straight red card from the referee for sustained protests, adding to the heated atmosphere on the Costa del Sol.
The Penalty Dispute and Tournament Conclusion
Following the 90-minute stalemate, the match was scheduled to proceed to a penalty shootout. However, Fulham refused to participate in the spot-kicks, leading tournament organizers to award the Trofeo Costa del Sol title to Málaga by default.
According to post-match statements reported by Málaga officials, the English club cited contractual terms, explaining that a penalty shootout was not part of the pre-match friendly agreement. Furthermore, Fulham representatives stated that staying for spot-kicks would jeopardize their travel schedule and prevent them from reaching their return flight on time.
Next Steps for Both Squads
With the preseason friendly schedule concluding under controversial circumstances, both clubs turn their attention toward their respective domestic league campaigns. Málaga prepares for its upcoming fixtures in the Spanish lower divisions, while Fulham returns to London to finalize preparations for the Premier League season opener.
