One step closer

The morning after the Copa del Rey semifinal victory still pulsed with the excitement of triumph. Málaga's plane touched down amid a flurry of excited reporters and fans at the airport, their cheers echoing long after the doors had closed. The team had flown in high on the wings of success, their spirits soaring from the incredible comeback against Valencia.

Now, they were setting their sights on their next challenge—a trip to Elche, a team struggling to avoid relegation. In a season where every point was hard-won, Málaga were sitting comfortably atop the La Liga table with 85 points from 33 games.

And as whispers and headlines raged about their unstoppable form, one fact remained indisputable: the return of Adriano had injected new life into the squad.

In the locker room of the Málaga training complex, the mood was electric but measured. Manuel Pellegrini gathered the players around him. His eyes, sharp and reflective from years of hard-fought battles, swept over his team.

"Today," he began, his voice steady and clear, "we face Elche away. They are desperate to escape relegation, and that desperation will be their motivation or their undoing.

But we must remain focused. This isn't just another game. We have to show that our performance isn't fleeting. Adriano is back, and so is our belief in our collective strength. Remember, without each of you filling your roles, we can't play a proper game."

Adriano, still riding the emotions of his triumphant return in Valencia, nodded at his coach's words. Over the past few weeks, he had become a symbol of hope and resurgence for the club.

Now, with his season statistics already eye-catching—30 goals and 34 assists in 28 La Liga matches—he had become not only a fan favorite but also cemented his status as one of the best players in Europe .

Though he led the league in assists, his position falling to the second-highest goal scorer was a topic of much debate, with Ronaldo's 31 goals and Messi's 25 serving as constant comparisons. Yet, Adriano's focus was singular: to help his team secure the win and, ultimately, the trophies they had been chasing all season.

In the pre-match briefing, Pellegrini detailed his tactical plan. "We'll start with a 4-3-3 formation," he explained, drawing a diagram on the whiteboard. "I want Griezmann, Joaquín, and Juanmi to be our spearheads.

We have to exploit the width of the pitch—Joaquín's pace, Griezmann's creativity, and Juanmi's intelligent runs are our best weapons. And remember, our midfield must control the tempo. We're not going to underestimate Elche; they might be desperate, but they're capable of dangerous counterattacks if given the chance."

He continued, "I expect high pressing from the front. Every time we lose possession, I want immediate pressure. This will force errors and allow us to recover the ball quickly. And Adriano," he added, turning his gaze to the returning star, "you'll be crucial in linking our play. I want you to provide that extra spark—set up chances, make incisive passes, and if you see a window, take it.

But above all, manage your minutes well . I've decided that you'll come off in the second half. You need to slowly ease in to playing a full game ."

The players listened intently to Pellegrini's words . The room buzzed with determination, each player already mentally preparing for the battle ahead.

The match at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in Elche promised to be a stern test for Málaga. Elche's home ground was a modest stadium with passionate local supporters who were desperate to see their team avoid the humiliation of relegation. As Málaga's team bus pulled up outside the stadium, the atmosphere was a study in contrasts.

On one side, the local Elche fans, painted in red and white, chanted and waved banners with a mix of defiance and anxiety.

On the other, the traveling Málaga supporters, draped in blue and white scarves and flags, filled the stands with chants of "¡Vamos, Málaga!" and "¡El mago ha vuelto!" Their voices, filled with hope and a touch of triumphant glee after the Valencia win, reverberated through the cool evening air.

Inside the stadium, the pitch gleamed under the floodlights. The Elche squad lined up in a cautious 4-4-2 formation, intent on maintaining a compact shape. Their coach, a grizzled veteran known for his defensive discipline, had instructed his players to absorb pressure and counter when opportunities arose.

His eyes scanned the opposing team as he noted the differences in style—Málaga's fluid, attacking play against his team's measured, defensive setup.

In the pre-match interview, one Elche midfielder confided, "We know they're at their best right now. Their spirit, their energy—there's nothing we can do but try to contain them. But we're fighting for our lives. Every minute is crucial, and we'll try our best ."

The whistle blew, and the game commenced with an intensity that immediately set the stage. Málaga's players, bolstered by their recent success , took control from the outset.

The early minutes were a masterclass in coordinated attacking play. Griezmann, with his unerring ability to read the game, initiated a series of rapid passes between midfield and attack.

Joaquín, using his trademark pace, exploited the space on the flanks, sprinting past Elche's tired defenders. The local supporters grumbled and shifted nervously in their seats as they realized that their opponents were not the underdogs many had assumed.

It wasn't long before Málaga's plan bore fruit.

In the 12th minute, a delicate interplay between Griezmann and Juanmi resulted in a swift counter-attack. The ball was played wide to Joaquín, who used his speed to cut inside. With a quick glance upward, he spotted Griezmann surging into the box.

The French forward controlled the ball with a deft touch and fired a low, driven shot toward the near post. The Elche goalkeeper, caught off-guard by the precision of the strike, could only parry the ball weakly, allowing it to slip past his outstretched fingers and nestle into the back of the net.

"GOAL! Málaga 1-0!" the announcer's voice boomed, and the Málaga section erupted into wild celebration. The early breakthrough sent shockwaves through the visiting Elche fans, who were forced to confront the reality that their side was facing a relentless and skillful opponent.

As the game progressed, Málaga's dominance became increasingly apparent. Their midfield, orchestrated by a tireless Adriano, maintained a high tempo, dictating play and forcing turnovers.

The team's pressing game was executed with surgical precision—every lost ball was recovered within moments, and every opposition counter was met with a swift and well-organized defense.

Elche, despite their determination, struggled to break out of their defensive shell. Their players exchanged frustrated glances as each attacking wave from Málaga was stifled by disciplined backline play.

In the 27th minute, Málaga's breakthrough came again. A swift passing move, beginning with a series of short, incisive exchanges between the midfielders, saw the ball find its way to Adriano, who had been patiently waiting on the edge of the box.

With his characteristic composure, Adriano received the ball and, with a deft feint, maneuvered past his marker. Sensing an opportunity, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Griezmann, who was making a darting run into the penalty area.

Griezmann, with an elegant touch, controlled the ball before slotting it past the advancing goalkeeper. The stadium vibrated with energy as the scoreboard now read 2-0 in favor of Málaga.

From the stands, fans chanted even louder. One long-time supporter, his voice cracking with emotion, shouted, "This is our year! Adriano, you are the soul of Málaga!"

The Elche fans, though steadfast in their support, could not hide their dismay as they watched yet another goal being added to Málaga's tally.

At halftime, the Málaga bench was buzzing with excitement. The team had executed Pellegrini's tactical plan to perfection, and the confidence in the locker room was palpable.

Pellegrini gathered his core group for a quick debrief. "Excellent work out there," he said, his tone both approving and focused. "We are dictating the game. But don't relax yet—this is only the first half. Keep the pressure on and stay alert for any counter-attack from Elche."

The second half saw a continuation of Málaga's relentless attacking style. With the scoreline at 2-0, Málaga knew they could afford to open up a bit more, and they did so with gusto.

Griezmann, now fully in his element, began to orchestrate moves with a flair that drew gasps from both sets of supporters. His feet danced over the ball as he created space, leaving defenders in his wake. Meanwhile, Joaquín, ever the veteran winger, exploited every gap, his runs leaving defenders scrambling to catch up.

In the 52nd minute, Griezmann completed his first hat trick for Malaga.

A clever through ball from Juanmi split the Elche defense wide open, and Griezmann, with his trademark poise, slotted the ball into the far corner.

3-0 ! Griezmann scored his first Hat trick for Malaga!

The stadium erupted in celebration from the Málaga section, while Elche's players were forced to regroup on the touchline, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and mounting frustration.

As the game wore on, it was clear that the tactical adjustments made by Pellegrini had thoroughly neutralized any hopes Elche had of mounting a comeback.

Elche's coach, known for his defensive mindset, had attempted to push his team forward in search of a goal, but the relentless pace and precision of Málaga's counter-attacks left little room for their strategies to work.

At one point, an Elche midfielder, visibly exhausted and frustrated, was seen gesturing wildly to his teammates, urging them to press harder—a plea that went largely unanswered as Málaga's defenders remained resolute.

In the 68th minute, the breakthrough that would seal the game came. With the ball in midfield, Málaga's players executed a series of quick passes that shifted the play rapidly down the right flank. Joaquín made another blistering run, drawing defenders with him before cutting inside to create space.

This time, Samuel was at the heart of the move. Receiving a pass from a surging midfielder, he turned swiftly and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.

The cross met Adriano, who hit it with a volley, sent the ball crashing into the net. The scoreboard now read 4-0, and for the first time in the match, the magnitude of Málaga's dominance was undeniable. He rushed towards one of the cameras and posed with his hands on his hips, with his teammates all striking a pose of their own.

The fans were in a state of euphoria. In the stands, scarves waved, and chants filled the air with promises of glory. One elderly fan, tears glistening in his eyes, whispered to a friend, "I've waited my whole life for a moment like this. Our team is unstoppable!"

Pellegrini noticed that the game was pretty much set, so he signaled for a substitution. Duda will be replacing Adriano .

Adriano clapped slowly as he left the pitch under a standing ovation from the Malaga fans. He gave a hug to Duda who patted his back with a smile and went in. Pellegrini immediately told the physio to give Adriano a check to see if anything was amiss.

With the momentum firmly on their side, Málaga pressed on. In the final 15 minutes of the game, Pellegrini decided it was time to preserve the energy of his key players for the upcoming fixtures.

He made a few calculated substitutions, like Samuel and Joaquin, rotating in fresh legs to maintain the high tempo and relentless pressure.

Among the changes was a subtle shift in midfield roles, with a young midfielder from their reserves introduced to provide additional creativity and energy, ensuring that Elche had no chance of mounting a late challenge.

Then, in the 77th minute, Griezmann scored his hat trick's final flourish—a curling free-kick from just outside the penalty area that dipped over the wall and into the top corner. The ball's flight was a thing of beauty, and the goal confirmed Málaga's 5-0 victory and his 4th goal of the game..

As the final whistle blew, the noise in the stadium was nearly deafening. Málaga's traveling supporters, who had made the journey with unflagging faith, celebrated with unbridled joy. Their chants, echoing through the night, were a testament to the power of belief and the passion that defined their club.

On the pitch, the jubilation was matched by a palpable sense of accomplishment. The players embraced one another, their faces shining with sweat and smiles as they acknowledged that their hard work had paid off once again.

For Adriano, this match was especially significant. Not only had he contributed a goal and two crucial assists, but his overall presence on the field had galvanized his teammates and reinforced his role as the creative heart of the side.

After the match, in the post-game press conference, Pellegrini was effusive in his praise. "Today, we showed that when we play as one, we are unstoppable," he said. "Our strategy worked perfectly—our pressing, our quick transitions, and our willingness to take risks have all paid off. We knew that Elche would be desperate, but we capitalized on that and turned it into a win."

Griezmann, clearly delighted by his performance, added, "I'm proud to score a hat trick today, but it wasn't just about me. Every single player on this team played their part.

We're in the best form of our lives, and I believe that with the passion of our supporters and the leadership of our coach, we can achieve great things."

Adriano, who had been modest about his contributions, finally spoke about his return and the match. "I'm happy to be back on the field," he said, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and gratitude.

"After the criticism and doubts, moments like this remind me why I love football. Every pass, every goal—it's for the fans, for my teammates, and for the club. I want to keep pushing and help us win trophies. Today was a great reminder that when we come together, nothing can stop us."

Even among the Elche players, there was a grudging respect for the performance they had just witnessed.

In a post-match interview, one Elche defender conceded, "We gave our best, but Málaga was on another level today. Their movement, their precision, it's hard to defend against. We'll learn from this defeat, but it's a bitter pill to swallow when you're outclassed on your home turf."

As the celebrations began to spill out into the corridors and streets of Elche, the Málaga squad prepared to return home, their heads held high.

Back in Málaga, the city was already buzzing with talk of the win. Fans filled the streets, their voices carrying on the night breeze as they discussed every detail of the match.

At a celebratory gathering in one of the city's most popular plazas, a group of longtime supporters toasted to the future. "This is what we've been waiting for," one fan proclaimed, raising his glass high. "Adriano is back, Griezmann is on fire, and Málaga is on top. We're going to win the league and the cup—mark my words!"

The night stretched on, filled with laughter, music, and the promise of glory. For the players, as they settled in for a brief rest before the next challenge, the victory against Elche was both a milestone and a motivator.

They now had 88 points from 34 games—a solid foundation upon which to build their title charge. Yet, they were acutely aware that the season was far from over. Every match, every minute of play, would be a battle for honor and pride.

In the quiet moments after the celebrations, Adriano sat alone in his room, scrolling through messages from fans and teammates alike. The praise was overwhelming: "You're the heartbeat of Málaga," one message read;

another exclaimed, "Your return has brought magic back to our team."

He then scrolled down the messages and found Blanca's name, her last message was before the copa del rey match. He sighed and gave her a call, It went on voicemail. He threw the phone beside him and lied down, thinking about the season.

Looking back over the past few weeks, Adriano reflected on his journey. His season statistics—31 goals and 36 assists from just 29 matches—were impressive , but it was the moments of brilliance on the pitch that truly defined his legacy.

Even if he was second in the goal-scoring charts behind Ronaldo's 32 goals, the fact that he was leading in assists and was the creative force behind Málaga's triumphs was a point of quiet pride. And his performance this season is definitely among the best in Europe . He got a call from Mendes, who said the Manchester City team was willing to pay any price to sign him after this season. Even Real was willing to pay 90 Million euro straight .

Málaga's quest for a Spanish double, the dreams of lifting both the league and the Copa del Rey, were now within reach. And as the city of Málaga celebrated their heroes on the streets, one thing was clear: the magic was back, and it was here to stay.

Meanwhile Blanca, who just returned from a shoot with tiredness, slumped down in her hotel bed. She absent mindedly brought out her phone and checked to see that Adriano called her a few times. She sat up and dialed his number with a hint of guilt.

The call didn't go through. She tried again and this time it went to voicemail. She sighed and thought to herself, ' Was this alright? At this rate, we will end up like the rest of the couples who split because of work pressure. Is this really inevitable?"