In yet another great news story for the Hyundai A-League, La Liga side Malaga is heading to the Adelaide Oval to face Josep Gombau’s Reds later this month.
In yet another great news story for the Hyundai A-League, La Liga side Malaga is heading to the Adelaide Oval to face Josep Gombau-s Reds later this month. And more Spanish clubs could be on their way next year to the South Australian capital.
Adelaide United today confirmed they will host La Liga side, Málaga in an exhibition game on Friday, 25 July at Adelaide Oval as part of the 2014 LFP World Club Challenge.
At this stage, it-s unclear how long the Spanish club will be in Australia or if they-ll play other A-League teams.
Málaga, known as the Los Boquerones, will be hitting the shores of Australia for the first time in its 110-year history.
It will also be the first a match of this calibre to be played at the refurbished Adelaide Oval.
Aussie fans are set to see former EPL striker Roque Santa Cruz in the Malaga line-up.
The La Liga club finished 11th last season.
They won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002 and qualified for the following season’s UEFA Cup reaching the quarterfinal stages. They also qualified for the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League, where they were quarterfinalists.
With the Spanish side committed to bringing its strongest possible squad to Australia, Adelaide United Chairman Greg Griffin is thrilled by the prospect of entertaining such as side.
“Málaga is the sixth most watched Club in Spain and its recent performances in the UEFA Champions League are testament to the quality of this side. Adelaide is fortunate to be able to welcome a Club of this stature to play at our new world class stadium.
We are hopeful that a strong performance in this game will further enhance Adelaide United’s prospects of being invited to play as the representative Club of Oceania in the 2015 LFP World Cup Challenge, which would see other Spanish Clubs playing in Adelaide in a tournament environment.”
Gomabu said the timing of the fixture was perfect for the Reds and will use this match as a perfect pre-season test.
“This will be a very good test and great preparation for our Westfield FFA Cup game against Wellington Phoenix,” said Gombau.
“It-s a great opportunity for us and for the football fans of Australia, because a team from La Liga is coming, and this league is one of the best in the world.
“We will be playing in a new stadium, and we hope that our fans will come to see and support us. It will be the perfect opportunity to see what Adelaide United has to offer for the 2014/15 season.”
Match Details
Adelaide United FC v Málaga CF
Friday, 25 July 2014
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Kick-off: 7:00pm
