Falcao put the home team on the leader board in the 6th minute of play, and a Blue and Whites equaliser followed from Santa Cruz in minute 35 (the first goal for the Paraguayan-born striker as a ‘Malaguista). After half-time, when it looked as though a draw was inevitable, a controversial own goal from Weligton put the Red and Whites back in the lead, ending the match with a 2-1 win. Despite this defeat, Málaga Club de Fútbol remain in third position in the League with 14 points.
The match between two of the best teams in the League saw the locals take charge from the start. The ‘Malaguistas’ didn’t feel comfortable on the pitch at the Vicente Calderón at all, even less so following the first goal from Falcao in the 6th minute from the left wing. The Columbian-born striker is always dangerous around the penalty area, as shown in every Atlético game.
As time went on, Málaga Club de Fútbol began to gain more possession. A powerful shot from Camacho looked promising from just outside the six-yard box, but was saved by Courtois. Manuel Pellegrini’s men continued in search of an equaliser, and despite excellent defending from Simeone, an impressive header straight into the net from Santa Cruz put the Blue and Whites level just before the half-time whistle.
Play was more focused in midfield during the second half. Another chance for Falcao to score came after good footwork by Adrián, but excellent defending by Weligton stopped a Red and Whites’ second goal. Málaga Club de Fútbol created another opportunity to score with a shot from Isco in front of the goal, but the ball went a fraction too long. Atlético were determined to score in the final minutes, really testing the strong Málaga defence. The visitors focused on defending the 1-1 draw, and turned their attention away from creating any further goal opportunities. Just when it looked like a 1-1 draw would be the end result, came a crushing blow for the Blue and Whites. A cross from the left wing resulted in controversial play, with the ball ending up in Willy’s net due to an own goal from Weligton, who fell in front of the penalty area. The referee didn’t declare a foul, and the home side sealed their victory. Despite this defeat, Málaga Club de Fútbol are still in third place in the League with 14 points. After next week’s break, the Blue and Whites play host to Valladolid at La Rosaleda.
Match stats Atlético Madrid – Málaga Club de Fútbol:
Line-ups:
AT. MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe Luis; Adrián (Raúl García, 69’), M. Suárez, Gabi, Arda (Thiago, 91'); Emre (C. Rodríguez, 60’) and Falcao.
MÁLAGA CF: Willy; Jesús Gámez, Demichelis, Weligton, Monreal; Isco (Portillo, 78’), Camacho, Iturra (Recio, 60’), Eliseu; Joaquín and Santa Cruz (Saviola, 46’).
Goals:
1-0 (6’): Falcao.
1-1 (35’): Santa Cruz.
2-1 (89'): Weligton (p.p.)
Referee:
Pérez Lasa (Colegio Vasco). Yellow cards were awarded to locals, Filipe Luis (15’), Arda (37’), M. Suárez (75’) and Falcao (77’); and from Málaga CF, Camacho (50’), Iturra (58’) and Monreal (86').
Information:
Seventh BBVA League match of the season, held at the Vicente Calderón.
