The match was mainly balanced between both rivals from kick-off, although there was more of a fight for control of play during the first half.  A great save from Aarón deflected Vergara’s shot at goal, the best chance generated by the rival.  Neither side created any further goal opportunities from in front of the target during the first 45 minutes.
 
‘Malaguista’ coach, Salva Ballesta made two changes after half-time, altering the characteristics of his team formation upfront.  Falu Aranda joined the game in place of Mauri, and Calero replaced Diego due to injury problems.
 
Atlético Malagueño had a much clearer idea of play in the second half, and generated numerous goal chances; a shot from Rufo following assistance from Paul; a chance for Roy from the edge of the area or a somewhat confused attempt at opening the scoring that was prevented by the Vélez defence on the goal line.
 
Even a playful Ernesto Gómez, who hid behind the goalkeeper to gain possession and provoke a disallowed penalty, couldn’t get a goal.  Then Paul arrived.  The ‘Malaguista’ headed a fantastic pass from Mula past the far post into the back of the net to clinch a Blue and Whites’ victory in injury time.
 
With today’s three points, Atlético Malagueño stops second-placed Vélez CF’s consecutive 12-match winning streak, having not been defeated since August.  The Blue and Whites’ second team is away to Alhaurín de la Torre in another provincial derby next weekend, who this week defeated Atlético Melilla by 0-1.


Match stats:

Team line-ups:
At. Malagueño: Aarón, Roy, Alberto López, Álex Portillo, Diego (Calero, 46’), Paul, Mula, Pablo, Mauri (Falu Aranda, 46’), Ernesto Cornejo and Rufo (Ernesto Gómez, 80’)

Vélez CF: Vicente, Caballero, Arturo, Lasly, Oli, Vergara (Davilillo, 66’), Juanjo, García Márquez (Nacho, 84’), Loren, Dani González and Álex Pulga (Diego, 46’).

Goal:
1-0. Min 92. Paul

Referee: López Jiménez, Javier.  Yellow cards were shown to ‘Malaguistas’: Calero (61’) and Álex Portillo (86’) and from the visitors: Oli (24’), Lasly (25’), Caballero (62’) and Juanjo (87’).  Atlético Malagueño’s assistant coach, Raúl Castillo was sent off.