Malaga managed to secure their place in the top flight of Spanish football with a well deserved point against Real Madrid.
The unlikely draw looked on the cards when Duda scored early in the first half. Malaga took the 1-0 lead into the half time break. Surely Real Madrid would realize that their slim chance of winning La Liga was gone with Barca comfortably beating Valladolid 2-0 at Camp Nou. Maybe the unbelievable was going to happen.
Real Madrid refused to roll over and Van de Vart equalised early in the second half. It was then backs to the wall and some heroic goalkeeping that kept Malaga alive with a point. When news came through that Valencia had taken the lead against Tenerife, the party started for Malaga.
The last gasp salvation was best summed up by the text received from Antonio. "Dios exite viva en Malaga."
Showing posts with label Malaga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malaga. Show all posts
Is it the drop for Malaga?
The final round of matches in la liga will take place this weekend. Malaga find themselves in the dreaded drop zone. One final game to save themselves. The good news is that they are at home and will find inspiration from the hinchas of la rosaleda. The bad news is that they are playing Real Madrid.
That’s that then! You might think so, but the situation is more complicated than that. How can a team that is in the bottom three lose and still be safe? Welcome to the complications of “la Liga”!
The first thing that strikes you when you look at the table is that Malaga’s goal difference is better than the two teams above them, Racing and Valladolid. But La Liga doesn’t use goal difference to separate clubs level on points. They use their own “criterios de desempate”. Basically, a mini-league formed by the clubs level on points. Why Malaga is in the drop zone is too complicated for my head to fathom. However, the final day looks like this for Malaga.
If Malaga beat Real Madrid they are safe regardless of other results.
If Malaga draw against Real Madrid then two outcomes will save them. 1) Two clubs from Tenerife, Racing and Valladolid must lose. 2) Racing and Tenerife draw and Valladolid lose.
If Malaga lose against Real Madrid then Racing, Tenerife and Valladolid must lose. Oh, and Xerez must not win.
So the worst case scenario is that Real Madrid thump Malaga and to cap it off Ronaldo will probably score a hatful. Then all attention will be focused at other games around the country. Barcelona surely must beat Valladolid to win the title. Let’s hope Valencia don’t start their holidays early and beat Tenerife. The tricky game is Racing v Sporting. Valladolid have already made noises that they fear that Sporting will not put up any resistance by fielding a weakened side. Xerez are away at Osasuna.
Unfortunately, it is all pointing to Malaga dropping into la segunda again. A point against Real Madrid is a must to save themselves.
That’s that then! You might think so, but the situation is more complicated than that. How can a team that is in the bottom three lose and still be safe? Welcome to the complications of “la Liga”!
The first thing that strikes you when you look at the table is that Malaga’s goal difference is better than the two teams above them, Racing and Valladolid. But La Liga doesn’t use goal difference to separate clubs level on points. They use their own “criterios de desempate”. Basically, a mini-league formed by the clubs level on points. Why Malaga is in the drop zone is too complicated for my head to fathom. However, the final day looks like this for Malaga.
If Malaga beat Real Madrid they are safe regardless of other results.
If Malaga draw against Real Madrid then two outcomes will save them. 1) Two clubs from Tenerife, Racing and Valladolid must lose. 2) Racing and Tenerife draw and Valladolid lose.
If Malaga lose against Real Madrid then Racing, Tenerife and Valladolid must lose. Oh, and Xerez must not win.
So the worst case scenario is that Real Madrid thump Malaga and to cap it off Ronaldo will probably score a hatful. Then all attention will be focused at other games around the country. Barcelona surely must beat Valladolid to win the title. Let’s hope Valencia don’t start their holidays early and beat Tenerife. The tricky game is Racing v Sporting. Valladolid have already made noises that they fear that Sporting will not put up any resistance by fielding a weakened side. Xerez are away at Osasuna.
Unfortunately, it is all pointing to Malaga dropping into la segunda again. A point against Real Madrid is a must to save themselves.
Semana Santa 2010 – Malaga
To witness the passion of Easter, a visit to Malaga during Semana Santa is a must. Processions take place all over the city at all times of the day from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday. All of the processions pass through the main streets of Malaga at some point. These are Alameda Principal, Larios and Granada.
We went to Malaga on Viernes Santo, Good Friday. Our first procession was from the Church of San Juan. Large crowds were already waiting in front of the church. A quiet hush descended as the doors opened and the procession slowly started to take to the streets.
The Procession leaving San Juan.
After all the procession had filed out of the church, we made our way to the theatre area of the city. We went to find another procession that ran along Calle Cruz Verde. We managed to get there just in time to see the Madonna trono being carried past.
The Costaleros carry Mary down Calle Cruz Verde.
The third procession we saw was from the Plaza de La Victoria in the North East sector of the city. This was by far the largest procession we saw. We arrived at the square before the procession had made its way down Calle Victoria. The crowds lined the road. We had a perfect vantage point stood in the middle of the busy intersection.
Close to the action.
The great thing about being outside the centre is you get really close to the procession. The kids enjoy it too. They shake as many hands as possible or try to collect wax droppings to see who can make the biggest ball.
Meeting the crowds.
You also get an appreciation of how much effort is required to move the great tronos. Rows of men, known as “Costaleros”, take the weight on their shoulders. They march in unison making the images sway. One of the many hooded men is responsible for stopping and starting the trono. He strikes the bell at the front of the trono. This sparks a chain event of other bell signals that move down the line to stop the whole procession.
Stopping the Trono.
It took just under an hour for the whole procession to march by. We then headed back the way we came and had a bite to eat at one of the cafe bars at the Plaza de La Merced. It’s about a 10 minute walk from where we were. As we sat down to order we could see the front of the procession turning the corner onto Calle Alamos. It would take them hours to finish the route. It was scheduled to take an amazing 8 hours, finishing at the early hour of 2:45am. That's the passion of christ.
We went to Malaga on Viernes Santo, Good Friday. Our first procession was from the Church of San Juan. Large crowds were already waiting in front of the church. A quiet hush descended as the doors opened and the procession slowly started to take to the streets.
The Procession leaving San Juan.
After all the procession had filed out of the church, we made our way to the theatre area of the city. We went to find another procession that ran along Calle Cruz Verde. We managed to get there just in time to see the Madonna trono being carried past.
The Costaleros carry Mary down Calle Cruz Verde.
The third procession we saw was from the Plaza de La Victoria in the North East sector of the city. This was by far the largest procession we saw. We arrived at the square before the procession had made its way down Calle Victoria. The crowds lined the road. We had a perfect vantage point stood in the middle of the busy intersection.
Close to the action.
The great thing about being outside the centre is you get really close to the procession. The kids enjoy it too. They shake as many hands as possible or try to collect wax droppings to see who can make the biggest ball.
Meeting the crowds.
You also get an appreciation of how much effort is required to move the great tronos. Rows of men, known as “Costaleros”, take the weight on their shoulders. They march in unison making the images sway. One of the many hooded men is responsible for stopping and starting the trono. He strikes the bell at the front of the trono. This sparks a chain event of other bell signals that move down the line to stop the whole procession.
Stopping the Trono.
It took just under an hour for the whole procession to march by. We then headed back the way we came and had a bite to eat at one of the cafe bars at the Plaza de La Merced. It’s about a 10 minute walk from where we were. As we sat down to order we could see the front of the procession turning the corner onto Calle Alamos. It would take them hours to finish the route. It was scheduled to take an amazing 8 hours, finishing at the early hour of 2:45am. That's the passion of christ.
T3 at Malaga Airport
After years of construction, finally the new terminal at Malaga Airport has opened. T3 was official opened by the King on Monday 15th March 2010. I had a flight back that evening so I had a little wonder around.
The New T3 at Malaga Airport.
New approach road.
The free parking at P3 is now closed. The private car parks are now situated at the end of the runway. To reach them you take the new road that goes through a tunnel and exits at the roundabout near P3.
The new walkway that connects the terminals.
When I returned the arrivals at T2 was closed for renovations. You exit via the new terminal 3 building, although you need to go into the old T2 to collect your bags.
Bodega El Pimpi
The number of times we have been to Malaga and not been to this place. What a find! It is located on Calle Granada, just around the corner from the Picasso museum. It has another entrance on Calle de la Alcazabilla. The number of times we have walked past it!
We were wandering around the beautiful narrow streets that snake around the city. We were looking for a traditional tapas bar. Most appeared to be shut. We ended up going back up Calle Granada when Angela was stopped by an elderly woman outside El Pimpi.
We were wandering around the beautiful narrow streets that snake around the city. We were looking for a traditional tapas bar. Most appeared to be shut. We ended up going back up Calle Granada when Angela was stopped by an elderly woman outside El Pimpi.
“A Beautiful bar”. She said in her best English. She wasn’t kidding. It is an amazing atmospheric place. Traditional Andalusian ceramic tiles everywhere. You walk through an inner courtyard to arrive at the bar. The wall opposite the bar is filled with photographs. Old and new, showing various VIP visitors to the bar.
Past the bar is another wonderful inner courtyard area filled with plants climbing along the walls and ceiling. The next room has a number of old wooden barrels stacked up. Each barrel end has been signed by illustrious guests such as famous singers, previous mayors of the city. We sat down at a table near to the barrel signed by Antonio Banderas. I think he is a hit with the girls.
Antonio is a hit with the girls.
Everything about the place drips with traditional andaluz authenticity. The menu was a work of art. The array of tapas, sandwiches and main dishes all sounded deeply tempting. We settled on a plato combinado and a tomato salad. The waiter taking our order with an electronic handheld device. The 21st century has not completely passed by El Pimpi.
Monica eyes the menu.
The place was busy but not packed. It looked a favourite place for tourists. A number of local tour guides brought in their guests to sample the local fino. A very sweet wine that is deceptively strong, like the Frigiliana wine. El Pimpi comes highly recommended.
Angela shows off her shopping.
Visit to Malaga
“We can all go to Malaga for the afternoon!”. Alarm bells started to ring loudly. Malaga city Centre. Two Women. That only meant one thing. Shopping! How can I get out of this?
“Are we going to have a look around the Alcazaba?” I enquired hopefully. No. We were going to have a walk around town, down Calle Larios. Spells “Shopping” to me.
We parked in the Alcazaba underground parking. It’s the most convenient parking spot for Calle Larios. We then headed down Calle de la Alcazabilla that takes you past the roman ruins on the left, and towards the entrance to the Alcazaba. The top end of this street has a number of attractive cafe bars where you can enjoy a nice beer and watch the world go by. There are roadworks on this street. It looks like they are excavating the Roman site further.
We followed our usual route which is turning right at the bottom of the street and passing the impressive cathedral on your left. Angela was in the mood for some sight-seeing. Anything to avoid shopping so we headed up Calle San Agustin that takes you to the Picasso Museum. This is one of my favourite streets in Malaga. The teteria is always packed with locals and tourists lining the street drinking exotic blends of tea. The convent and church of San Agustin is beautiful, as are the flowers that line the courtyard just off the street. A magical place.
Monica and Angela outside the Cathedral.
We ended up near to where we started at Plaza de la Merced, the birthplace of Picasso. From here we turned left and headed towards the Teatro Cervantes, the home of the world famous Malaga film festival. This place has seen its fair share of famous faces in its time. Now they can add the glamorous Angela Cruz and Dean Pitt.
No photos please!
There was no escaping the call of Calle Larios. Malaga’s shopping Mecca. Thankfully, we avoided most of the shops. Angela only nipping into a couple on the way down. We had a stroll around the market area near the port and then back up Calle Nueva, the other shopping street that runs parallel with Larios. The sum total of our shopping trip was a new notebook for me and Monica, and a few necklaces for Angela. Not too bad. It was time to find a bar for tapas.
Hard at work shopping.
“Are we going to have a look around the Alcazaba?” I enquired hopefully. No. We were going to have a walk around town, down Calle Larios. Spells “Shopping” to me.
We parked in the Alcazaba underground parking. It’s the most convenient parking spot for Calle Larios. We then headed down Calle de la Alcazabilla that takes you past the roman ruins on the left, and towards the entrance to the Alcazaba. The top end of this street has a number of attractive cafe bars where you can enjoy a nice beer and watch the world go by. There are roadworks on this street. It looks like they are excavating the Roman site further.
We followed our usual route which is turning right at the bottom of the street and passing the impressive cathedral on your left. Angela was in the mood for some sight-seeing. Anything to avoid shopping so we headed up Calle San Agustin that takes you to the Picasso Museum. This is one of my favourite streets in Malaga. The teteria is always packed with locals and tourists lining the street drinking exotic blends of tea. The convent and church of San Agustin is beautiful, as are the flowers that line the courtyard just off the street. A magical place.
Monica and Angela outside the Cathedral.
We ended up near to where we started at Plaza de la Merced, the birthplace of Picasso. From here we turned left and headed towards the Teatro Cervantes, the home of the world famous Malaga film festival. This place has seen its fair share of famous faces in its time. Now they can add the glamorous Angela Cruz and Dean Pitt.
No photos please!
There was no escaping the call of Calle Larios. Malaga’s shopping Mecca. Thankfully, we avoided most of the shops. Angela only nipping into a couple on the way down. We had a stroll around the market area near the port and then back up Calle Nueva, the other shopping street that runs parallel with Larios. The sum total of our shopping trip was a new notebook for me and Monica, and a few necklaces for Angela. Not too bad. It was time to find a bar for tapas.
Hard at work shopping.