A day of mourning for the Malaguismo. Fernando Puche Doña has died at the age of 78 in his homeland, Málaga, leaving behind a legacy in the Malaguista style that led the Club under his leadership, at the end of the last century, from the bronze division to the gold division of national football.
During his time at MCF, Puche was an important pillar of the board of directors with Federico Beltrán as the top manager. Until the 1997/98 season, when he took over the presidency and achieved an epic promotion from Segunda División B to Segunda División. In the following season, 1998/99, Puche made a decision that was as bold as it was right. Ultimately, it was historic. He signed a new coach who would become an absolute legend and give his name to the local bench at La Rosaleda: Joaquín Peiró.
That unforgettable 98/99 season, Málaga played brilliantly and was crowned champion of the second division with a team full of players who remain in the memory of all Malaguistas. The top scorer Catanha, the captain Bravo, Basti, Guede, Edgar, Rufete, Agostinho, Roteta, Movilla, Valcarce and a long etcetera. Under the orders of Peiró, whom Puche kept on the bench with a cool head during a bad run of results, in the middle of the season, demonstrating his mettle in difficult situations.
Puche remained as president of the MCF for two more seasons, both in the elite. In the first, 99/00, he achieved a comfortable stay, highlighting the epic victory at the Camp Nou (1-2) against FC Barcelona when Málaga was at the bottom of the league table. The following 00/01 was the icing on the cake for Puche at the helm of the blue and white club. The team achieved a wonderful 8th place in the First Division League, very close to European positions, in what was the best classification up to then in history after the two seventh places of CD Málaga in the 1970s.
Francisco Martín Aguilar, the Club’s advisor for Protocol and Institutional Relations, recalls that Puche, before being president of Málaga, “He helped the club in very difficult times” in his role as an entrepreneur. “He took care of everything,” Paco recalls that Fernando’s involvement is highlighted: “He was the best, a president who exercised his power and commanded. He arrived first at the office and left last.”
The last memory of Puche in the stands of Martiricos, in the anteroom of La Rosaleda, was at the commemoration of the ‘Match of Legends’ on the occasion of the recent celebration of the 120th anniversary of the birth of football in Malaga.
On a special day for La Rosaleda, which was officially inaugurated on this day in 1941, 83 years ago, Málaga CF hopes that the match against SD Huesca will be a tribute to one of the most important presidents in the history of the club under any of its names. We hope we can dedicate the victory to you, Fernando.
Málaga CF sends its warmest condolences to the family and friends of Fernando Puche, a key historical figure in the resurgence and consolidation of our club in the elite of Spanish football. Farewell, President.
– What were the key achievements of Fernando Puche Doña during his presidency at Málaga CF?
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Mourning in Málaga: Fernando Puche Doña, the Architect of Malaguismo, Passes Away at 78
The city of Málaga is in mourning as Fernando Puche Doña, the legendary president of Málaga CF, has passed away at the age of 78. Puche left an indelible mark on the club, leading them from the bronze division to the top tier of Spanish football during his tenure. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the Malaguistas, who revered him as the mastermind behind the team’s most glorious era.
A Visionary Leader
Puche’s journey with Málaga CF began as a member of the board of directors, alongside Federico Beltrán, where he played a crucial role in shaping the club’s destiny. In the 1997-98 season, he took the reins as president, and what followed was a meteoric rise to success. Under his leadership, Málaga earned an epic promotion from Segunda División B to Segunda División, a feat that will always be remembered as one of the greatest in the club’s history.
The Appointment that Changed the Course of History
One of Puche’s most inspired decisions was the appointment of Joaquín Peiró as the team’s coach in the 1998-99 season. This bold move proved to be a masterstroke, as Peiró went on to become an iconic figure in Málaga’s history, leading the team to championship glory in the Segunda División. The team’s remarkable performance during that season, with players like Catanha, Bravo, Basti, and Rufete, is still etched in the memories of the Malaguistas.
Presidential Tenure Marked by Success
Puche remained at the helm of Málaga CF for two more seasons, both of which were spent in the top flight. In the 1999-2000 season, the team secured a comfortable stay in the elite division, highlighted by a thrilling 1-2 victory over FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The following season, 2000-01, saw Málaga achieve an impressive 8th place finish, their highest classification in history at the time.
A Tribute to Puche’s Leadership
Francisco Martín Aguilar, the Club’s advisor for Protocol and Institutional Relations, paid a heartfelt tribute to Puche’s leadership, recalling how he helped the club during difficult times as an entrepreneur. “He took care of everything,” Aguilar said, highlighting Puche’s unwavering commitment to the club. “He was the best, a president who exercised his power and commanded. He arrived first at the office and left last.”
A Lasting Legacy
Fernando Puche Doña’s passing leaves a void in the world of Malaguismo, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His leadership, vision, and dedication to the club have left an indelible mark on Málaga CF’s history. As the football community mourns the loss of a true legend, we remember Puche as a champion, a leader, and a loyal servant of the club he loved.
Rest in peace, Fernando Puche Doña. Your memory will forever be etched in the hearts of the Malaguistas.
Keywords: Fernando Puche Doña, Málaga CF, Malaguismo, Spanish football, Segunda División, Segunda División B, Joaquín Peiró, La Rosaleda, Francisco Martín Aguilar.
Heart and soul of the club.
A Day of Mourning for the Malaguismo: Fernando Puche Doña Passes Away at 78
The city of Málaga is in mourning as Fernando Puche Doña, the legendary president of Málaga CF, has passed away at the age of 78. Puche left an indelible mark on the club, leading them from the bronze division to the top tier of Spanish football during his tenure. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the Malaguistas, who revered him as the
