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The consistency of Atlético prevails at La Rosaleda (0-2)

Málaga CF were defeated by Club Atlético de Madrid at La Rosaleda tonight in the 29th LaLiga Santander match of the season. Goals by Koke and Filipe Luis sealed victory for Atlético.

It was a spectacular atmosphere at Martiricos to push Málaga forward, knowing the importance of this match and the difficulty of the rival. In minute 6, Atlético had their first shot at goal, thanks to Koke, with a strong response from Kameni. Soon after, Miguel Torres sustained injury, and he was substituted in minute 15 by Ricca. During the first quarter of an hour of play, MCF focused on the Madrid goal with powerful throw-ins from Luis Hernández, and constant aerial threat from Camacho.

The team didn’t lose face in front of the opponent, staying very active on the right profile of the attack, with Keko fighting for every ball. Rosales unfolded with assiduity, and Sandro was incisive on the wings. After the midway point of the first half, ‘Cholo’ Simeone’s team went ahead thanks to a goal from Koke (1-0, 26’). The sole objective before the half time whistle was to find the equaliser. Keko tried to net a goal in 43’ with a heel kick from a Rosales shot.

At the end of the first half, the only ‘colchonero’ goal dominated the scoreboard, showing a superiority that didn’t accurately reflect the gameplay from both sides.

In the second half, Málaga continued to fight to find spaces against one of the best defences not only in LaLiga, but in Europe in recent seasons. In minute 60, Recio returned to the pitch following a lengthy period of inactivity, in place of José Rodríguez. Míchel’s final change came in minute 72, as he reinforced the attack with Santos in place of Keko.

The strong defensive display by the rival impeded Málaga, except from set pieces, approaching with danger to Oblak’s area. Furthermore, Atlético maximised their attacking resources, like only a few teams in the world. Griezmann sent out a warning with a shot that kissed the left post, whilst Filipe Luis, with a subtle shot towards Kameni’s area, scored the Red and Whites’ second goal (0-2, 74’). Immediately afterwards, the referee showed the yellow card to Recio and Juankar, which carry federative suspension.

In the final stretch of the game, the team was determined to get on the scoreboard, with opportunities for Llorente, Sandro, Santos and Rosales between 81’ and 85’ of play. However, the long-awaited goal didn’t arrive, and at the final whistle the scoreboard showed 0-2. As such, Málaga CF continue with 27 points in LaLiga Santander.