Malaga win Costa del Sol Cup after Fulham refuse shootout following late penalty

Malaga were awarded the Costa del Sol Cup after Fulham, managed by new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, refused to take part in a penalty shootout following a controversial late decision in their pre-season friendly.

The match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, but Fulham declined to contest the shootout after a penalty was awarded against them in the final minute. Arbeloa strongly protested the decision and was sent off by referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Malaga were subsequently declared winners without a shootout, while Arbeloa also chose not to attend the post-match news conference. The incident came just days before Fulham begin their official campaign under the former Real Madrid coach.

The Spanish side endured an early setback when Adrian Nino was forced to leave the field with an injury. His departure was a concern for Malaga, who are due to visit the Metropolitano in a week to face Atletico Madrid and already have a number of players unavailable.

The opening stages produced few clear chances, although Fulham winger Oscar Bobb and Malaga forward David Larrubia were among the most influential players on the pitch.

Fulham eventually broke the deadlock when Sessiegnon met a cross at the far post and headed the ball into the net to give the English side a 1-0 lead.

Malaga responded with a well-worked attack created by Larrubia. Chupete completed the move with a composed finish, bringing the home side level before half-time.

Malaga continued to look the stronger team after the interval, but Fulham regained the advantage when Alex Iwobi scored to make it 2-1.

The hosts introduced eight further substitutes as the game progressed, adding fresh energy to their performance. Their pressure paid off in the 90th minute when Eneko Jauregi converted the penalty awarded after a handball to restore parity at 2-2.

The late spot-kick angered Arbeloa and triggered the sequence of events that ended with his dismissal. Fulham then declined to participate in the shootout, leaving Malaga to claim the trophy despite the game having finished level in normal time.

Arbeloa took charge of Fulham this summer after his spell with Real Madrid. His first competitive match as the club’s manager will come against Chelsea on 24 August, when Fulham begin their Premier League campaign.