Wednesday's Champions League Group A clash at the Vicente Calderon pitted Atletico Madrid against Malmo.
The home side enjoyed the best of the first period, but the score remained goalless at the break.
Atletico ran riot in the second half, however, with goals from Koke, Mario Mandzukic, Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin and Alessio Cerci securing all the points for the Spanish team.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League coverage continues from the Vicente Calderon as last season's finalists Atletico Madrid welcome Swedish side Malmo. Right, before we get down to the facts and figures, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news, which has just filtered through from the Spanish capital.
TEAMS
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Suarez, Koke; Griezmann, Turan, Saul; Mandzukic
MALMO: Olsen; Tinnerholm, Helander, Halsti, Johansson, Ricardinho; Eriksson, Adu, Forsberg; Rosenberg, Thelin
So there we have it. Miranda, Guilherme Siqueira, Mario Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez all come into the Atletico team this evening, with Diego Simeone making five changes from Sunday's league win over Espanyol. Skipper Gabi is not in the squad, leaving Diego Godin to captain the side from central defence.
Malmo, meanwhile, will seemingly line up in a 5-3-2 formation tonight, with their skipper Marcus Rosenberg leading the line alongside Isaac Kiese Thelin. Enoch Kofi Adu also starts for the visitors, while Filip Helander has been passed fit despite being an injury doubt ahead of the match.
As mentioned, it has been almost 50 years since these two clubs have met and it was Atletico that triumphed 5-1 on aggregate during their two-legged affair in the first round of the 1966-67 European Champion Clubs' Cup. However, it would be fair to say that much has changed at both clubs since then! Just a reminder that kickoff is at 7.45pm this evening - be sure to stay with us!
While Atletico reached the final of last season's Champions League, Malmo are one of the most inexperienced sides in the competition. They fell in the third qualifying round in both 2011 and 2013, but managed to negotiate their way to the group stages of the tournament this season.
In fact, their challenge started back in July, when they beat Ventspils, before wins over Sparta Praha and Salzburg secured their spot in the competition. It is an excellent story for the Swedish outfit, but Atletico will not be in the mood for sentiment this evening. Both sides are in need of the points.
Atletico opened this season's group stage with a 3-2 defeat at Olympiacos, with that result leaving the Spanish champions playing catch-up to early leaders Juventus. However, Diego Simeone's side responded with a 1-0 win over the Italian champions last time out to move onto three points.
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Atletico won five and drew one of their six home matches on their way to last season's Champions League final and whether they can challenge again this season will depend on strong form at the Calderon – a stadium where they have won 18 of their last 20 European matches.
Atletico will also enter the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Espanyol in the league at the weekend. They won their first La Liga title since 1996 last term, but they face another huge challenge domestically. As it stands, they sit fourth in La Liga, five points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Simeone's side have already lost twice in all competitions this season, however, with a 3-1 defeat at Valencia earlier this month raising question marks about their ability to challenge for silverware once again. Tonight will be another tough test against a team that does not have anything to lose.
Malmo, meanwhile, have also taken three points from their first two matches, with their 2-0 win over Olympiacos earlier this month their first victory in the group stages of a UEFA competition. They lost 2-0 at Juventus in their first group match, but did frustrate the Italian champions for long spells.
Malmo have not recorded an away win in the European Cup proper since beating Monaco in the first round of the 1978-79 season. Meanwhile, they have lost their last three European games on the road. Indeed, but for their strong home form, they would not have qualified for this season's group stage.
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Malmo enter the match off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Elfsborg in their domestic league at the weekend, but they have already won the Swedish title after beating AIK Solna earlier this month. Their success means that they are the first team since 2003 to successfully defend Sweden's league title.
Looking ahead for a moment, Atletico travel to Getafe in the league on Sunday evening. They will make the short trip knowing that either Real Madrid or Barcelona have dropped points in the Clasico. Meanwhile, Malmo host Brommapojkarna on Monday evening in the league.
Emil Forsberg has scored 13 league goals this season for Malmo, but Atletico have been forced to share the goals around. Diego Costa struck 36 times in all competitions last season, including eight in Europe, but thus far Costa's direct replacement Mario Mandzukic has netted just four times.
1 - Atletico have conceded only one goal in the last six European home games, against Milan on March 2014. Mattress.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 22, 2014
PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it very difficult to make a case for Malmo this evening. They have players that could hurt Atletico, but the home side, in my opinion, will ultimately have too much quality. It will be tight, but I am backing a 2-0 home win tonight.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, with the Malmo contingent making plenty of noise.
Just a reminder that Group A's other two sides - Juventus and Olympiacos - are also in action this evening. All four sides in this section currently have three points after two rounds of fixtures.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Now it is time for the football. It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
CHANCE! Nervy moment for the home side as Suarez loses possession in midfield before Halsti finds Thelin inside the Atletico box, but his effort is weak and straight at Moya.
Good pressure from the home side in the early moments as Koke delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Halsti is on hand to make the clearance. Atletico force two corners in quick succession, but the danger is cleared by the visitors. All-action start from the hosts here.
Juanfran is perhaps a shade fortunate not to pick up a yellow card after bringing Forsberg to the ground with a late challenge. Malmo threaten from the resulting free kick, but Moya is on hand to deny a header from Halsti. Early pressure for the hosts to deal with as Malmo force the issue.
Half-chance for the home side as Saul collects a through pass from Griezmann, but the youngster had moved into an offside position and Malmo have a free kick, The home side continue to force the issue from another corner, but the visitors move up the pitch when Helander rises above Saul.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last few moments, but Malmo are seeing more of the ball in the Atletico half. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. It has been an entertaining opening 10 minutes here.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the early moments here as Rosenberg dives into another late challenge with Godin. Atletico work the ball down the right as Juanfran combines with Turan, but Ricardinho is across to make the challenge at the vital moment.
Forsberg attempts to force the issue for the away side after driving into the Atletico half, but the midfielder loses possession before bringing Turan to the ground. The home side are down the other end with Saul moments later, but the Spaniard cannot find the darting run of Mandzukic.
Half-chance for the home side as Turan meets a cross from Siqueira, but his header was always moving wide of the post. Malmo can be pretty pleased with their opening 16 minutes here. They have managed to quell the threat from the home side and indeed also looked dangerous in attack.
It must be said that the away supporters are creating some serious noise inside this stadium. Their team is feeding off it as well as they continue to break forward in numbers. Atletico force an attack of their own through Turan, but Halsti is across to clear with a brilliant header.
Again it is good work from Siqueira as the left-back finds some space in a wide area before feeding Griezmann, but the Frenchman was in an offside position. Malmo are down the other end with Adu moments later, but the Swedish side cannot turn their pressure into an attacking opportunity.
Half-chance for the home side as Turan combines with Juanfran before driving a low cross towards Mandzukic, but Helander is on hand to make the clearance. Another cross comes towards Mandzukic moments later, but once again the danger is cleared. Down the other end, Moya comes out to punch clear under pressure from Rosenberg. End-to-end football in the Spanish capital.
Saul tries his luck for the home side after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Again, Malmo survive a period of pressure from Atletico.
Eriksson tries his luck for the visitors after finding a pocket of space inside the box, but his effort moved high of the crossbar. Still goalless, but plenty happening at both ends here.
Malmo goalkeeper Olsen appears to have a problem here as he receives treatment on a head wound, but the stopper does look fit to continue. Moments before, Saul had rattled another effort high of the crossbar. That has been the story of the half thus far, plenty of strikes, but no real clear chances.
Griezmann has the chance to test the Malmo stopper after meeting a cross from Siqueira at the near post, but his header is over the crossbar. The home side's full-backs are getting plenty of joy in the final third, but Malmo have managed to quell the threat in the opening 30 minutes of action.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Malmo will not mind, however, as they continue to frustrate the home side. Johansson delivers a free kick into the Atletico box, but Godin clears.
The visitors continue to threaten from outside the box as a late challenge from Suarez brings a free kick. Eriksson delivers towards Rosenberg, but his effort from a tight angle hits the side netting. Not too much from Atletico in terms of an attacking threat in the last few minutes.
CROSSBAR! Oh my word! Incredible chance for the home side as Griezmann finds space inside the Malmo box before striking on goal, but his effort rattles the crossbar. It bounces down to Mandzukic, but Johansson made an excellent block. Two big chances!
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and the score is still goalless here. Atletico have had the majority of the ball, but Malmo have carried a threat on the counter and from set pieces.
in Group A's other match, Olympiacos have taken the lead against Juventus. What a result that would be for the Greek side. Back to this match, Turan has a strike from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Quite comfortable for Malmo once more.
Another half-chance for the home side as Griezmann finds some space outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Turan has another effort moments later, but his strike is wide of the post. Strong pressure from the home side in the latter stages of the half.
Suarez is next to try his luck for Atletico, but once again, his effort is wide of the post. Malmo will be pleased to get to half-time at 0-0 as they continue to come under increasing pressure.
Mandzukic then heads wide from a corner, with Malmo under serious pressure here...
BOOKING! Godin goes into the book for a late challenge on Thelin.
The resulting free kick is taken by Eriksson, but Moya is on hand to tip his effort over the crossbar.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 0-0 Malmo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Atletico have had more of the ball and created the better chances, but Malmo have also been a threat, with their pace on the counter and invention from set pieces causing Atletico some problems.
STATS! The home side have had more of the possession with 58%, while they have had 13 attempts, but just two of those have been on target. Malmo, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their three attempts. There has also been just one booking (Godin, Atletico).
BENCH WATCH! Atletico have a host of attacking talent on their bench this evening with the likes of Cerci, Garcia and Raul Jimenez all available. Meanwhile, Malmo have options in the shape of Konate, Kroon and Thern. Both managers have talent on the sidelines tonight.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Atletico break down this stern Malmo outfit? The visitors get the second period underway in Madrid.
No changes from either manager at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Malmo immediately threaten from kickoff, but Forsberg is flagged offside for the away side.
Half-chance for the away side as Rosenberg spins inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Miranda is across to make a fine block at the vital moment. Not too much from Atletico in the early stages of the second period. The visitors are in the mood for all three points here.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Malmo (Koke)
The home side have the lead with 48 minutes on the clock as a wonderful move ends with Turan feeding Koke, who finishes into the bottom corner from close range. Brilliant goal!
That is much more like it from the home side, who have just started to find a bit of tempo in the second half. It was a wonderful move that brought the opening goal of the evening.
Half-chance for Turan this time as the midfielder finds some space just inside the box, but Halsti is on hand to make the block. Malmo need to be careful that they do not concede a second in quick succession here. You would have to think that another goal for the home side ends this contest.
CHANCE! Brilliant chance for the home side to score their second as Koke feeds Suarez inside the box, but his angled effort is saved by Olsen, who has been in good form tonight.
Malmo are doing their best to put together some passes in the final third, but they are struggling to break through the home side's defence. Suarez attempts to take the ball away from Forsberg in the middle of the park, but the midfielder fouls Malmo's number 33 with a late challenge.
The home side force another free kick as Ricardinho brings Juanfran to the ground. The resulting set piece is delivered by Koke, but Halsti is on hand to clear with a towering header. Little over 30 minutes of this contest remaining and the home side still lead by that Koke strike.
Still no movement on either bench, but we are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, with both sets of supporters doing their teams proud. The noise is deafening.
CHANCE! Best chance of the second period for the away side as Forsberg collects a pass from Eriksson before striking towards goal, but his effort is just wide of the post.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Malmo (Mandzukic)
Atletico have their second of the match and again it is another brilliant team goal. Juanfran is involved down the right before feeding Koke, who crosses for the waiting Mandzukic. Another excellent goal for the hosts, who are now firmly in control of this match.
GOAL! Atletico 3-0 Malmo (Griezmann)
WOW! Atletico have their third at the Calderon as Griezmann nets his second Champions League goal. The Frenchman cuts into the box before striking towards goal, Olsen makes the save, but it bounces high into the air and over the line. Touch of fortune to say the least!
Half-chance for the away side as Ricardinho meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but Moya is on hand to make a smart save. Malmo continue to carry a goal-threat on the counter attack.
SUB! Malmo make their first change as Kroon replaces Forsberg.
BOOKING! Johansson is booked for a late challenge on Griezmann.
SUB! Atletico make their first change as Turan is replaced by Raul Garcia.
Another half-chance for the home side as Saul finds some space outside the box, but his effort is blocked by Halsti. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Vicente Calderon.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with the home side more than content keeping possession of the ball in the final third. It has been a very strong second-half performance from Atletico, who have played some excellent football since the interval.
BOOKING! Rosenberg is booked for simulation after going down inside the box under a challenge from Mandzukic. That might have been a little harsh!
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Rodriguez replaces Griezmann.
Slightly untidy period of the match in terms of challenges, with Atletico conceding another free kick as Garcia brings Kroon to the ground. Malmo have been unable to threaten from set pieces in the second period, however, which was not the case in the first, when they looked dangerous.
SUB! Third change for the home side as Cerci replaces Mandzukic.
Half-chance for the home side as Rodriguez finds some space in a wide area before feeding Garcia, who cuts inside and attempts to beat Olsen, but his effort was always straight at the stopper.
Another half-chance for the home side as Suarez collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was wide of the post. The home side have had so many attempts from outside the area tonight.
Again it is good work from Koke as his near-post corner finds Rodriguez, who delivers a cross towards the far post, but Halsti is on hand to make the block. Little over five minutes to play.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football at the moment, with both sides almost waiting for the final whistle. Malmo gave so much in the first half that they have run out of steam here.
CHANCE! Suarez comes close to scoring a fourth for the home side following another brilliant move involving Juanfran, but Olsen is quick across his goal to make a great save.
SUB! Malmo make their second change as Thern replaces Eriksson.
GOAL! Atletico 4-0 Malmo (Godin)
The home side have their third as Godin plants a powerful header into the back of the net from another brilliant Koke corner. Dominant second-half performance from the home side.
SUB! Third change for the away side as Konate replaces Ricardinho.
Possession football from Malmo as we enter the second minute of stoppage time.
GOAL! Atletico 5-0 Malmo (Cerci)
Wow what a strike! The home side have their fifth in very strange circumstances. Cerci curls one against the crossbar, but picks up the rebound before firing into the bottom corner.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 5-0 Malmo
So there we have it. Stunning second-half performance from Atletico, who score five times without reply against Malmo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Goodbye!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
