Following the confirmation of promotion with a 1-2 victory in Almería, the Andalusian city was painted blue and white. Fans packed emblematic locations such as the Alcazaba tunnel, Calle Larios, and the Fuente de las Tres Gracias, the epicenter of a celebration that lasted into the early morning hours.
The celebration brought together thousands of supporters who had waited eight years for this moment, after the club had been navigating between the Second and First Federations. The return to the elite has been achieved thanks to a group of homegrown players who never stopped dreaming.
The most popular chants, including 'La vida loca' and the team's anthem, echoed through the streets as fans celebrated this achievement. Coach Juan Francisco Funes referred to his players as his 'bichos,' many of whom were also part of the promotion to the Second Division two years ago.
The night provided unforgettable scenes for Málaga supporters, with the city fully behind a team that has restored hope after years of sporting and institutional difficulties, marked by changes in ownership and judicial administration.
The promotion signifies Málaga's return to the top flight, a goal that seemed distant just a few months ago when the team was in a relegation position. The commitment to youth development, with players trained at La Academia, has been a key factor in this success.
The club announced via social media that the team would not be passing through La Rosaleda that night due to security concerns, following damage sustained by the team bus during the journey, including broken windows, after incidents prior to the match in Almería.
Coach Funes recalled the match, which started 30 minutes late, and mentioned players like Juanito, feeling they would not lose with 'many angels with the jersey in heaven.' After the game, a private reception was held with family and close associates.
The connection between the team and its fans was evident throughout the early morning. Supporters shared videos and photos of the celebration, showcasing a city painted in the blue and white colors and reminiscing about historic moments of the club.
The city's mayor, Francisco de la Torre, confirmed that the official celebratory parade would take place on Monday. The difficulty in organizing the necessary police deployment for a large-scale event through the streets of Málaga, anticipating a significant crowd, was a determining factor.
The return to the First Division represents not only a sporting achievement but also the recovery of identity and hope for the Málaga fans, who now see their team back in the elite of Spanish football.
