A second-half goal from Koke has given Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Malaga in La Liga.
© AFP
The home side had the first chance of the match, with Eliseu setting up Sergio Sanchez for a shot inside the opening 10 minutes, but the defender sliced his effort well high.
Francisco Juanfran had the best chance of the first half for Atletico, but his powerful finish went straight into the hands of Wilfredo Caballero in the Malaga goal.
Diego Costa tried to play the ball in for Adrian after the break, but the striker could not turn towards the goal in time to get his shot away.
The home side made a couple of changes, bringing on Roque Santa Cruz and Duda, but the visitors started to dominate possession.
Madrid's superior possession allowed them to break the deadlock with 20 minutes still to play, as Koke was first to reach a loose ball in the box and tapped it passed Caballero.
The hosts pressed for a quick equaliser, with Vitorino Antunes sending in a dangerous cross before Samuel tried an effort from distance, but Thibaut Courtois was able to deal with both.
Atletico's defenders were kept busy in the final five minutes of the match as Malaga continued to look for a goal, with Santa Cruz and Duda leading the late surge, but they could not find the back of the net before the final whistle.
Sian Cowper
