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Griezmann’s early goal proves decisive (0-1)

It was a narrow defeat for Málaga CF against Club Atlético de Madrid at La Rosaleda, on LaLiga Santander matchday 23. The Antoine Griezmann early opener decided the clash in the visitors’ favour.

The match kicked off with the worst possible scenario for Málaga. Griezmann, with quality definition, outmanoeuvred Roberto to put the Red and Whites in front on his first arrival to the area (0-1, 1’). The Blue and Whites, with Chory and En-Nesyri new to the starting-11, suffered following the initial blow and struggled to get into the game. The first Malaguista opportunity didn’t arrive until the 17th minute of play, with an Ideye header that licked Oblak’s post.

As the first half advanced, play between the two rivals evened out, with more presence from Málaga, against a perfectly-placed opponent on the pitch, showing barely any gaps in defence. The concessions from Simeone’s team were minimal, thereby reducing the attacking capacity of the Blue and Whites.

In the closing stages of the first half there were no changes to the duel, as Atlético continued to manage their minimal advantage into half-time.

In the second half, Medhi Lacen substituted Iturra in the defensive pivot, making his official MCF debut. No sooner had play resumed, a run from En-Nesyri in 46’ and subsequent cross-shot prowled the Atlético six-yard box. Two minutes later, a superb header from Ricca appeared goal-bound, but the action was declared offside. Rosales, with a free kick in 51’, forced Oblak to make a colossal intervention.

In the 57th minute of the match, Rolan replaced Keko, further reinforcing the attack. In 63’, En-Nesyri tried his luck with a powerful long shot. Following Málaga’s impetuous start, ‘Cholo’s men lessened the pace of play, remaining armed at the back awaiting a rapid counter-attack. José González used up all his substitutions bringing on Samuel for Ricca in 83’, placing Chory on the left.

Play was halted for several minutes as Lacen sustained a strong blow from a fortuitous action, leading to him being stretchered off in the 88th minute. The referee added seven minutes of extra time, but Málaga CF didn’t manage a leveller, thus remaining in 20th place in the standings with 13 points.