Málaga CF got off to a good start against second-placed Atlético de Madrid, who have proved to be one of the best teams in the BBVA League so far this season. Following a couple of intimidating passes from the Blue and Whites, the visitors soon retaliated. Diego Costa had a shot at goal in the 4th minute, followed by a promising midfield kick from Arda Turan in minute 8, which went too far to the right of Willy Caballero’s goal.
An excellent pass from Joaquín on the right allowed Piazon a shot at glory, causing trouble for Madrid keeper, Courtois, however the ball hit the post. This was the first real chance for Málaga CF 10 minutes into the game. Atlético kept the pressure on the home team, and Arda Turan tried his luck a second time after 14 minutes, but failed to get past the mighty Willy.
A Joaquín corner in the 17th minute set up the perfect header for Demichelis, who sent the ball right into the direction of the net, which led to a fingertip save by Courtois.
Atlético continued to pile the pressure on Málaga, and were successful in imposing their style of play on the Blue and Whites’ pitch throughout the match. Pellegrini’s men struggled to maintain possession, but defended well against the Atlético attack. The locals took advantage of various promising actions near the goal area in the final few minutes of the first half, but failed to open the scoring before the whistle.
The second half got underway with an Atlético dominance, starting with a shot from Koke to the left of the penalty area, that went out of play. Having learned their lesson, Málaga demonstrated good combinative play on the pitch. Manuel Pellegrini’s men were much more comfortable in the second half, moving closer to the goal and gaining possession.
Mid-way through the second half both teams began to lose a level of intensity, and fatigue appeared to be a factor for both sides. However Málaga CF took the initiative, and in minute 76 a Weligton header from a set piece just went left of Courtois’ goal. This was the best chance for the Blue and Whites throughout the second half.
An ignored foul on Gámez by Falcao led to a corner in stoppage time, giving Atlético two chances to get a goal just before the whistle. However the match ended with a goalless draw, with a notable lack of goal opportunities for both teams throughout the match.
Match stats
MÁLAGA CF: Willy; Jesús Gámez, Demichelis (Lugano, min. 63), Weligton, Antunes; Portillo, Toulalan, Lucas Piazon, Isco (Seba, min. 73), Joaquín (Iturra, min. 61) and Santa Cruz.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe Luis; Arda Turan, Koke, Mario Suárez, C. Rodríguez (Raúl García, min. 62); Falcao and Diego Costa (Adrián, min. 61).
REFEREE: Gil Manzano ‘Colegio Extreño’. Yellow cards were awarded to Juanfran (min. 16), Weligton (min. 34), Suárez (min. 37), Diego Costa (min. 57), Miranda (min. 80) and Toulalan (min. 85).
INFORMATION: 26th First Division BBVA League match, held at La Rosaleda in front of 24,808 fans.
