Antequera CF snatch derby spoils and further sink Marbella FC

Two local Malaga sides enjoyed positive results in the third-tier over the weekend. Antequera CF won a derby in Marbella after a hard-fought battle, and Juventud de Torremolinos boosted their confidence in their bid to survive by securing a point against the leaders of Group 2.

Antequera emerged victorious from Sunday’s provincial derby at La Dama de Noche thanks to a decisive moment from their captain and talisman, Luismi Gutiérrez. The midfielder’s precise high finish, which brushed the bar, was the only goal, and punished a lack aggression on the part of the Marbella defence.

The visitors were the most confident throughout. Javi Antón had already tested the goal with a powerful long-range effort, while Luismi was at the heart of most of the visitors’ attacking threat.

Marbella’s response was poor after they hired their third coach this season, and made significant changes during the winter. Their best chances came through Jorge Álvarez, who fired over after a right-sided run, and a second-half Eugeni cross-shot that narrowly evaded Pau Palacín.

Marbella are now 10 points short of safety at the bottom, while Antequera moved up into the top 6.

Torremolinos, who scored twice in the Nova Creu Alta on the same day, delivered a character-filled performance to draw Sabadell away from the leaders.

The team twice came back from behind. Veteran forward Pito Camacho scored both equalisers. This was his seventh goal in the season.

Torremolinos is still 16th but they are only one point off safety. The result shows their increasing resilience as they fight to survive.