Hey guys and welcome back to sunny old Spain. My Football Manager 2012 Malaga story: season 3 report is ready for your viewing pleasure. You may remember Malaga winning the La Liga title last season but falling short in all other competitions, while I was delighted to pip Barcelona I started to ponder what the squad needed. We had plenty of youth and a bright future but I needed to strengthen for the present if my boys were to ever challenge Europe’s elite. That is what the 2013/14 season is all about, to see if we succeeded carry on reading as I bring you the entire third season from start to finish (well the important bits anyway.)
I started the season like any other looking through my squad, deciding who was to stay and who would go. In the end I offloaded no less than 19 players though at least 10 of these were youth players with no future. The rest were getting old and I just had no place for them any more. My wheeling and dealing helped fill the boards pockets with £31.5 million, not bad at all.
Now for the exciting part, my signings. :) OK so I mentioned earlier about strengthening for the present, well signing Bolat, Martinez (who I way over paid for), Sturridge and Canales were all apart of that plan while the rest bar one were future signings. That one player left unmentioned is my best signing to date, he was available on a free transfer and his name is Kagawa.
La Liga results — 1st half of the season
After finishing the last campaign so well it was vital to keep morale up and the form going. My boys certainly didn’t disappoint with 15 wins, 4 draws and zero losses from our opening 19 fixtures. We endured a few close shaves and tight score lines but its getting the points when you play badly that wins you titles. :)
La Liga table after 19 matches
19 excellent results later and Malaga sat a top the Spanish league with 49 points, 3 points ahead of Athletic and Real Madrid with a game in hand. However Barcelona seemed to be out of the race already falling 10 points off the pace.
La Liga results — 2nd half of the season
With a decent lead and my team in great form all we had to do was maintain. The second half of my season didn’t start well as we dropped 5 points from the first 4 games but things soon picked up and we completed the final 19 matches with 14 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses. With Real Madrid hot on my heels did they slip up also or had Mourinho pipped me to the title?
La Liga table — final standings
Malaga may have lost 3 matches, drawn 6 and notched up 7 points less than last season but Barcelona completely collapsed making this a two horse race. Thankfully Real Madrid fell short and could only finish 6 points behind me on 87 points. The title was wrapped up for a second consecutive season but the biggest shock was Barcelona’s 78 points.
Copa del Ray results
My last two seasons have provided a tough draw in the Copa del Ray as Malaga were eliminated by Barcelona and Real Madrid. While we avoided the two giants this years route wasn’t exactly easy. We beat Badalona, Sevilla, Mallorca and Espanyol to reach the final. After getting so far I was desperate to complete the domestic double but Villarreal stood in our way.
Copa del Ray final vs Villarreal
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 80,354
Team formations:
Well Villarreal are some tough opposition but I felt confident with a near full strength squad to select from. The match started very tense and I could tell that it would take a moment of magic from either team to break the deadlock….I think you know what’s coming up so I suggest watching the match highlights below!
Match highlights: Click here to watch the Copa del Ray final highlights!!
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Match stats:
Awesome result and an even better performance, Badelj broke the deadlock with a stunning goal and we never looked back. The Copa del Ray was added to my La Liga title thanks to that all important strike.
Champions League results
We started this seasons Champions League campaign with a decent group draw. After losing away to Manchester United we won our remaining games at home to United then in both ties against Rapid Wien and Benfica.
These great results led to an inevitable top spot as Malaga walked through to the knockout stages finishing three points above Man United.
We drew Manchester City in the first knockout round and while I expected defeat my team had an entirely different plan. We lost the first leg 1-0 away but then won the second leg 3-1 at home in one of the shocks of the season. FC Bayern stood in my way during the quarter-final as a tough tie finished 4-2 on aggregate. Then French giants PSG were easily defeated 6-3 on aggregate in the semi-final. A shock final appearance was made doubly surprising by the progression of Marseille, the bookies must have had a field day with this one. :)
Champions League final vs Marseille
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA
Attendance: 52,960
Team formations:
Marseille have a very talented side going forward and took me to penalties during last seasons quarter-final. However, their weakness is in defence and after such an amazing season my boys were the favourites. All I can say is that this was an amazing final and you should definitely watch the match highlights…just be sure to keep count of the goals :)
Match highlights: Click here to watch the Champions League final highlights!!
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Match stats:
What can I say other than simply amazing. Marseille started the scoring and I wondered if this would be one of those days as Kameni made a massive error. But an absolute master class followed as Niang scored six goals, probably the first time that has happened in a Champions League final and while the draw was on my side we deserved this with some great football.
Squad stats and finances
A lot of players are to thank for this amazing season and treble, but I’ll just pick a select few. The first is Kagawa who joined for free this summer, the left winger scored 16 goals and assisted 8. On the other wing Weiss scored an incredible 15 goals and assisted 21 times. The last piece to this forward thinking puzzle was Niang’s 24 goals. While Kara was my rock in defence with 17 goals, the entire back line was outstanding making up the top 5 of my best average ratings.
Now we can check the clubs finances, unfortunately I am still paying off some rather hefty transfer fees but the great run in Europe has helped balance the books and we have a balance of £6.5 million.
Well that is all for today, this was probably one of my proudest seasons on FM and that is saying a lot. I thought I’d acknowledge the achievement with a special post sharing all on my squad, tactic, training and basically everything that has helped me succeed. Until then I look forward to reading your comments as always.
Kevin
15 ноября, 2011 at 13:49
Great post, really interesting. Came exactly at the right time, as i’m looking at how to adopt a more attacking format, and noticed all the squad formations for the successful teams involved were in the same patterns (1 up, wide players, either DMC or MC).
I was going to request more on your tactics, but you’ve already said you’d do a special post — look forward to it!
PS. Congratulations. Even with Real in FM2011 I found it difficult to pip Barca, but I guess when they’re dropping points it’s easier…
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 13:57
Thanks Kevin, the next post will take a while as I want to make it one big goody bag of what I’ve done in game including downloads and all the associated tips, but will publish asap.
Nathan
15 ноября, 2011 at 14:48
Great season, good how you avoided all the big teams in the cup runs :)
I’d really like to know what tactic you are using. Any chance you can post that some time?
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:40
I was delighted to finally avoid the big teams in both cup comps. Last year saw Man Utd, Man City and Real Madrid while the year before saw me knocked out to Barcelona so I guess I was due a slice of luck….although Man City, Bayern, PSG and Marseille are by no means easy teams. As mentioned at the bottom of this post my next one will be about everything I’ve done to succeed including this tactic.
tom
15 ноября, 2011 at 15:24
Kagawa on a free is a huge slice of luck…
some good signings…am looking forward 2 a sanogo like rise with Niang…possibly even greater…
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:38
Definitely mate, Kagawa on a free was really lucky and I also got Sturridge for fairly low wages which pleased me :) Niang has incredible potential but whether he can overtake Sanogo as my all time favourite remains to be seen. :)
Laxeyman
15 ноября, 2011 at 16:10
Amazing season Darren, you’ve turned yet another team into a world class side in FM, congrats on a fantastic campaign :) Your squad is now unbelievably good, and I reckon we’ll see a period of Malaga domination from now on :)
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:37
Thanks Laxeyman, I hope we can begin dominating but still feel like there’s a transitional period to go through.
vaibhavc
15 ноября, 2011 at 16:32
Kawaga on a free, how did you manage that? Great season for you, the Champions League was brought to Malaga. 6-1, you make it so easy!
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:36
I was just as shocked when seeing him for free but he wouldn’t accept Dortmunds contract offeres…even more shocking is the fact that only Napoli rivalled me for his signature :)
Alex
15 ноября, 2011 at 16:43
What an amazing season. Now you’ve won everything what’s your plan, long term domination? Becoming the most successful club ever? You never fail in acquiring all the best youngsters and turning them into world class players. It’s a bit ironic how you’re at one of the richest clubs yet you’ll almost certainly end up making them a fortune with your Y2G system.
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:35
I’m not sure what my plan is really Alex but the main thing is to take over Barcelona as the team to fear. We had a great few seasons but still have some way to go yet.
Johnny Karp
15 ноября, 2011 at 16:55
Congratulations Darren, you have built an unbeatable team in a very short time and that’s simply amazing!
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:34
Thanks Johnny, lets hope it continues.
Johnny Karp
15 ноября, 2011 at 18:53
Knowing you I’d say it will continue :)
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 19:20
lol, yeah I am a pessimist. ;)
Deepak Nepal
15 ноября, 2011 at 19:36
wow darren what is year? hahaha how barcelona drops those many points i think some of their key players were injured. and i hope you will post your next season as soon as possible maybe this weekend.
Deepak Nepal
15 ноября, 2011 at 19:37
i mean what a season
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 20:05
Not sure how Barcelona did so badly but it certainly made my life easier :) I won’t have a season done that quickly but will have my next post ready for the weekend which will list my tactic, training and basically everything I feel is relevant to show you guys on my recent success.
Joelance
15 ноября, 2011 at 19:47
The incredible Mr Smith does the usual! That should be the headline in the papers after your treble. But then they didnt know you from fm ’11 i guess. fantastic season Darren. I’m kinda jealous as i dont have the gane yet. Let’s see you top this next season. Good work!
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 20:06
lol, that would be a nice headline indeed. Its a great game and as always SI have made yet more improvements from FM11 so get the game soon mate.
themightymcphed
15 ноября, 2011 at 19:52
Fantastic season Darren!
I’m struggling a bit with my Rangers save at the moment (I always go the Gers first to get a grip tactically with the new game and then start a save with a small fish) having changed from my system in FM11 (which was similar to your Manchelona) to try out a flat 433 (inspired by Johnny’s tactics), but it’s not going according to plan.
I really look forward to your tactic post and you usual great explanations of your thinking as I think it will help me change my tactic successfully
Good luck with the rest of the game……and GET CRACKING WITH THE TACTIC POST!!!! ;-) ;-)
Darren Smith
15 ноября, 2011 at 20:07
Thanks mate, I’ll have the post ready this weekend with a little luck. Its going to include everything I use and do to win so should hopefully help. :)
themightymcphed
16 ноября, 2011 at 12:57
Excellent! Looking forward to it!
Have a good week mate
CsAtlantis
15 ноября, 2011 at 23:10
Wow double hattrick by Niang in the Champions League final, cracking player
You’ve gotten a lot of great youngsters in, Kagawa on a free is a massive coup and Raheem Sterling and Sergio Canales were probably bargains at the price you bought them at!
Congratulations on winning the treble
Darren Smith
16 ноября, 2011 at 11:51
Yeah tell me about it, I haven’t been so shocked during a game on FM ever! Niang had a good season but I didn’t think he was capable of that!!!
Ana Garcia
16 ноября, 2011 at 00:18
Am glad you bought Javi Martinez I like him as a player but the price was a little high, but then again its just a game! And he did do quite well for you.
Interesting to see that your five best players were all defenders but you scored a lot of goals, seems you have the balance perfect between defence and attack.
Cant really add anything that already hasnt been said! But congrats on winning your three trophies. :)
Darren Smith
16 ноября, 2011 at 11:50
Thanks Ana, I got Javi because I was looking for a certain type of midfielder that can do everything and he was the only one available at a decent age. A little too much but ow well. I have always been a big fan of building from the back and often see goals scored as a result of good defending so it comes hand in hand for most of my tactics :)
Kevin
16 ноября, 2011 at 00:32
Hi Darren
Oh no another Kevin got to make the first comment :) Brilliant update to match the near perfect season you had and so unfortunate in the CL Final. You seem to have a little gem there in Sterling who played 19 times but got 11 goals and 12 assits!
I’m delighted though you are still writing from a story perspective even though it’s not so often.
Kevin
16 ноября, 2011 at 00:35
I just put my glasses on and realized that was six not ZERO. Flipping brilliant mate!!
Should have watched the highlights first :)
Darren Smith
16 ноября, 2011 at 11:48
Thanks mate, it was a wonderful season and I couldn’t agree more about Sterling….just about all his goals come from appearances off the bench too. You’d be surprised by how low his attributes are but its the potential that counts. :)
Lye
16 ноября, 2011 at 10:20
Hi Darren,
Malaga will be dominating from now on. Look at your past record, it will be difficult for the rest of the teams to wrestle back the title from you. Besides, you have a young squad and they will surely get better. Once you get the engine started, the only one who can stop the car is you. Great job mate.
Darren Smith
16 ноября, 2011 at 11:44
Thanks Lye, while it does seem like Malaga can dominate I am always wary of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Lets just hope I don’t press the breaks :)
sachithyoda
16 ноября, 2011 at 14:39
can you please post your tactics or upload your tactics to this site?
Darren Smith
16 ноября, 2011 at 18:17
I am going to do a post on everything I do in this Malaga save soon including the tactic, training etc. But if you want to know now then this is the tactic I use with a few tweaks https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/10/football-manager-2012-arsenal-tactic-play-the-passing-game/
Martin - F.M.J.S
16 ноября, 2011 at 19:57
It has been a long time for me to get on this site as i have had no internet but it is good to see you are writing these season updates.
Back to the post. Congrats on your achievements in such short period of time. I look forward to your tactics used and Season 4. :)
Darren Smith
16 ноября, 2011 at 20:14
Thanks Martin, hopefully the success will continue.
Malhar Bhadbhade
17 ноября, 2011 at 00:26
hey Darren,
that is just ridiculous! haha, 6-1 in a champions league final! thats some unbelievable stuff right there. i must say, i’m not at all surprised with the levels that your Malaga team has reached in such a short space of time given your history :D thanks for doing these season posts, i really enjoy them! and hope the success continues as i’m sure it will! cheers!
Darren Smith
17 ноября, 2011 at 11:57
Thanks Malhar, it was a weird old season but the team seems to be getting more and more consistent now.
Martin Pickard
17 ноября, 2011 at 09:37
What an unbelievable season! An amazing champions league victory! very definitely got the spanish league sorted and its nice to see Barcelona so far down the table hahaha. Is there any team that you counldn’t win a league with lol…you do seem to be a genius lol. Congrats again and looking forward to seeing who you can buy to better this season :)
Darren Smith
17 ноября, 2011 at 11:53
Thanks mate, its been a crazy season and I have one massive signing planned to trump this season so we’ll see how he settles :)
Sears
17 ноября, 2011 at 17:54
Whoops, apologize’s for the delay, unfortunately my schoolwork has gotten in the way of my social life! :P
Anyways, brilliant campaign mate! I didn’t anticipate you winning the CL so early in your career, but nevertheless congrats! Also, top job on winning the title, your young guns really did set the La Liga on fire. And whoa! 6 goals in a CL final?!?! Fab!! :) Good luck next season!
Darren Smith
17 ноября, 2011 at 17:58
Thanks Sears, I too didn’t think winning the CL so early was possible but everything fell into place when it really mattered.