Málaga 2 – 2 Al Ittihad
International Club Friendly – 31 July 2026

Málaga and Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad played out an entertaining 2‑2 draw in a pre‑season friendly at the Estadio La Rosaleda. The match featured four goals, a missed penalty, and some encouraging attacking play from both sides as they fine‑tune their preparations for the new season.

Match Overview

Málaga started brightly and took the lead inside 12 minutes when a quick break down the right flank ended with a crisp finish from winger Antoñito. Al Ittihad responded well, equalising through a powerful header from centre‑back Ahmed Hegazy after a corner kick in the 28th minute. The second half saw both teams exchange goals before a frantic finish.

Key Moments

• 12′ – Málaga 1‑0: Antoñito collected a through‑ball from Fran Villalba, cut inside, and fired low into the far corner.
• 28′ – 1‑1: Hegazy rose highest to meet a corner from Karim Benzema, guiding the ball past Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.
• 55′ – Málaga 2‑1: Substitute Jairo put the hosts ahead again with a fine left‑footed strike from the edge of the box.
• 63′ – 2‑2: Al Ittihad’s new signing, winger Jota, weaved through the defence and slotted home from 12 yards.
• 79′ – Missed penalty: Málaga’s Loren Zúñiga stepped up but saw his spot‑kick saved by Al Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.

Standout Performers

For Málaga, Antoñito and Jairo provided the attacking thrust, while midfielder Dani Lorenzo controlled the tempo in the middle of the park. For Al Ittihad, Hegazy was solid at the back and Benzema, though goalless, linked play effectively. The fitness levels of both squads appeared high, with the game played at a brisk pace throughout.

Pre‑Season Progress

The result extended Málaga’s unbeaten streak in friendlies this summer to three matches (two wins, one draw). Al Ittihad, under new management, now have two wins and a draw from their four pre‑season outings. Both coaches will be pleased with the attacking intent shown but will want to tighten up defensively before competitive matches begin.