Coach, Javi Gracia said beforehand that Málaga always play the same, regardless of the rival or location.  With LaLiga in play at the Calderón, the Blue and Whites weren’t intimidated and generated a couple of promising chances from the start, with a shot from Cop and a Charles header in the first 15 minutes.

Atlético also showed character, forcing Ochoa to deflect a venomous free kick from Koke to a corner.  The match became engaged and Charles and Weligton were shown yellow cards in the first half.

The first half ended in controversy, with several balls thrown onto the pitch at once, which ended up with Simeone getting sent off by referee, Mateu Lahoz. 

Tension was evident in the second half, and Atlético piled the pressure on until Correa had an opportunity to beat Ochoa in minute 62 with a tight shot at goal that was deflected by Albentosa into the net.

Gracia made some changes in the search of an equaliser, and Málaga gained possession with the locals cowering to go on the counter attack.  Juanpi had a chance with just 10 minutes left before the final whistle, but his shot was too close to the post.  Recio also had a long shot, but the Blue and Whites couldn’t clinch anything positive.

Once again, Málaga played a worthy role against the League championship contenders - as happened against Barcelona and Real Madrid - tonight only suffering a minimal defeat at the Vicente Calderón.