Málaga's unexpected defensive duo turning the tide
How Funes Mori has revitalized Málaga's backline with the unlikely pairing of Einar Galilea and Diego Murillo becoming the foundation of their defensive renaissance
Málaga’s defensive transformation has become the talk of the town, with an unlikely centre-back pairing emerging as the secret behind their newfound solidity.
Clean sheet specialists
The clean sheet at Nuevo Arcángel was pure gold dust for Málaga, ending a proper lengthy run of leaking goals and confirming what the eagle-eyed supporters had already spotted - this team has gone and sorted its defensive troubles. At the heart of this renaissance? Two defenders who’ve been brought in from the cold by gaffer Funes: Einar Galilea and Diego Murillo.
Neither bloke was anywhere near the starting eleven when the season kicked off. The original plan had Javi Montero and Álex Pastor pencilled in as the main men at the back, but Montero’s dodgy form and Pastor’s injury threw that blueprint right out the window.
Galilea’s remarkable revival
If you want to see a proper career turnaround, look no further than Einar Galilea. The Basque defender, who played his part in:
- The promotion to Primera Federación
- Last season’s survival campaign in Segunda
Has become absolutely nailed-on under Funes. He’s played every single minute since the new coach arrived, making the left-sided centre-back position his own bread and butter.
What’s more, he’s added goals to his game - finding the net in crucial matches against Mirandés and Zaragoza. Talk about stepping up when it matters!
Murillo’s redemption arc
Murillo’s relationship with Funes got off to a right shocker in Talavera - a game both he and Montero will want to forget. The Malagón-born defender barely got a sniff in Albacete and only started against Almería at La Rosaleda because Recio pulled up late doors.
But didn’t he just grab that chance with both hands? Starting as centre-back, the number 16 showed all the qualities that were missing in Talavera.
Since then, Sporting de Gijón, Ceuta and Córdoba have all come up against the rock-solid defence now dubbed the ‘Funes Buque’, with Murillo standing tall as one of its key pillars. Partnering Galilea, the La Mancha native has rediscovered his best form.
Málaga’s collective improvement under Funes has been clear as day, but these individual transformations might just be the foundation they need to push on up the table.