Atletico Madrid travelled to La Rosaleda on Saturday knowing that they would move top of the La Liga table if they could avoid defeat against a resurgent Malaga.
Both sides had half-chances in an open first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Chances remained at a premium in the second half, but Koke's strike 20 minutes from time was enough to claim all three points for Atletico.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The winter break is finally over in Spain. It was too long wasn’t it?! La Liga resumes at La Rosaleda as a resurgent Malaga side welcome title contenders Atletico Madrid. The home side are battling for a top-half finish, but Diego Simeone’s capital outfit are firmly on Barcelona’s tails as we enter the second part of the campaign.
TEAMS:
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, Sanchez, Weligton, Angeleri; Antunes, Camacho, Darder, Eliseu; Samuel, Juanmi
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Tiago, Koke, Turan; Torres, Costa, Villa
The home side are without the suspended Fernando Tissone, but Spanish forward Samuel is fit. There is also a spot for Ignacio Camacho in the middle of midfield, while Sergi Darder and Eliseu are also selected in an attacking lineup. Atletico are without the suspended Gabi and Raul Garcia, but highly-rated youngster Oliver Torres starts. Meanwhile, new signing Jose Sosa is on the bench.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won two of the last five matches, with Malaga winning once and further two ending in a share of the spoils. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a goalless draw, but Atletico were 2-1 winners at the Vicente Calderon earlier in the campaign.
It would not be unfair to state that it has been a disappointing campaign for Malaga thus far, but performances and indeed results have improved in recent weeks. As it stands, they sit 10th in the table having won five, drawn five and lost seven of their 17 matches. That said, they are just five points outside of the bottom three.
Back-to-back league wins over Getafe and Elche have moved Malaga into a more respectable position, but they recently exited the Copa del Rey on away goals to Osasuna. Their home form has been fairly patchy in La Liga, meanwhile, with four wins and four defeats from their eight matches in this stadium.
Atletico, meanwhile, would move to the top of the table if they can avoid defeat this afternoon. Diego Simeone’s side have incredibly won 15, drawn one and lost one of their 17 league games this season, with a total of 46 points leaving them second to Barcelona only on goal difference. Capital rivals Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit a further five points behind in third.
They had to come from behind to beat Levante 3-2 before the winter break, while they also booked their spot in the latter stages of the Champions League and Copa del Rey in 2013. They also sat second at this stage last season, but trailed Barcelona by nine points before eventually finishing third. This time around, they are in a much stronger position.
Atletico have the best home record in La Liga this season having won all nine of their fixtures, scoring 33 times and conceding just six in the process. They have also been strong on the road, however, with six wins, one draw and one defeat. Goals, however, have been harder to find away from Madrid with just 13 in their eight games on their travels.
PREDICTION: There is no question that Malaga have improved in recent weeks, but there are still question marks over their defence. Atletico are missing a couple of key players, but have an abundance of talent in their starting XI this afternoon. My score prediction is 2-1 Atletico.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that a draw would move Atletico top of the division, for 24 hours at least. Right, the home side get the action underway at La Rosaleda. Let's hope for goals.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Suddenly there is a feel-good factor around La Rosaleda. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes with Malaga enjoying possession of the ball. The early exchanges could be vital in this particular contest.
The pitch is in perfect condition for this stage of the season, which will suit both teams. The home side continue to dominate in terms of possession, but Atletico have been compact in defence thus far. Antunes delivers a deep cross into the Atletico box, but Courtois is firmly in control of the situation.
Good work from Atletico down the left as Luis combines with Turan, but Antunes is across to clear the danger. It will be interesting to see how Atletico youngster Torres fares this afternoon. The Spaniard is making just his second league start of the season. He has been involved in a couple of exchanges with Villa, but still no real chances for either side in the opening six minutes of La Liga action.
CHANCE! The first clear chances falls the way of the home side as a deep free kick from Eliseu causes concern inside the Atletico box. Eventually it falls to Sanchez, but the Malaga defender can only fire high and wide of the crossbar. Nervy defending from Atletico.
Malaga continue to threaten with a series of crosses into the Atletico box, but Courtois has been in charge of his own area thus far. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about, however, with their slack start bringing boss Diego Simeone to his feet. Still goalless after 10 minutes as Costa clashes with Sanchez following a high challenge. Some things never change!
The first corner of the match brings a half-chance for Godin as the Atletico centre-back meets the cross from Turan, but his header is straight at Caballero. Moments later, Miranda is booked for challenging the Malaga stopper. The first La Liga yellow card of 2014 is handed to Miranda.
Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to warm to their task as Koke twice delivers dangerous crosses into the Malaga box, but Costa is ruled offside before Caballero claims. Not too much from the home side in the last couple of moments, but there is a strong intensity to proceedings with 14 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Malaga as Eliseu beats Luis in the air at the far post, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Atletico break immediately down the other end with Turan, but the move breaks down outside the area. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this particular contest.
Atletico threaten once more as Koke delivers a free kick into the Malaga box, but the referee blows for a free kick after Costa clashes with Angeleri. Torres attempts to slide a pass towards Costa moments later, but the danger is cleared. The tempo has certainly risen in the last couple of minutes, with Atletico really dominating possession for the first time this afternoon.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. In truth, it is not too much of a surprise in the first La Liga match after the winter break. The free-kick count continues to rise for Atletico, but Malaga have been fairly comfortable in dealing with the threat thus far.
CHANCE! Atletico's first real chance arrives after 23 minutes as Juanfran finds some space inside the Malaga box, but his low effort is saved by Caballero. A sustained period of pressure follows, but once more the Malaga stopper quells the danger. The tempo is rising with 23 minutes on the clock.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last five minutes or so as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. In truth, it has been a bit like that in the opening 25 minutes. Half-chances have arrived, but a series of fouls have harmed the tempo. Hopefully that will change as the referee continues to issue yellow cards.
It would not be a surprise if the referee was forced to issue a red card in this contest as Tiago becomes the latest name to enter the book. We have not seen too much from Costa thus far, with the top scorer in the league being closely monitored by Sanchez and Gamez. That said, Malaga's attacking threat has been non-existent in the last 10 minutes or so. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It would be easy to blame the referee for slowing the tempo of this match, but the Spanish official cannot help but continue to award free kicks. Atletico gain twice in quick succession outside the Malaga box, but neither threatens Caballero, who claims both with ease. It is the type of match that is in desperate need of a goal.
Half-chance for the home side as Eliseu finds some space inside the Atletico box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Courtois is on hand to make the save at the vital moment. Another effort comes from Antunes moments later, but Courtois watches it wide of the post.
It hasn't been a happy half for Costa thus far as the Atletico forward is ruled offside and lets his frustration out by hitting the ground. In truth, neither side has done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Malaga.
Another half-chance for the home side as Eliseu's cross is met by Luis, but his header just moves wide of the crossbar, much to the relief of Courtois, who could only stand and watch. Will there be a goal before the interval? It would make such a difference to this match.
Couple of half-chances at either end in the last couple of minutes, but both attacks are brought to a close when the referee blows for a free kick. Juanmi threatens to drive into the Atletico box moments later, but Courtois is quick off his line. Still goalless after 39 minutes of this La Liga contest.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last couple of moments with neither side able to really force the issue in the final third. Malaga will certainly be the happier at this stage of the contest, but you have to feel that Atletico will improve in the second period. It has been a really disappointing showing from the capital outfit thus far.
Angeleri becomes the latest name to enter the book as the Malaga defender dives into a late challenge with Costa. The resulting free kick is taken by Koke, it eventually falls to Torres, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
The home supporters have started to make their way out of the stadium as the first period draws to an end. In truth, a match that promised much has failed to deliver thus far. Plenty to be positive about defensively, but neither attack has impressed in the opening 45 minutes.
HALF TIME: Malaga 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Both have had half-chances in an open 45 minutes of football, but neither has done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. No La Liga goals in 2014 as it stands.
STATISTICS: Atletico have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had five attempts to Malaga's six. However, just one of the home side's efforts have been on target. The referee has been forced to issue four yellow cards, meanwhile, in a highly-charged and scrappy first half of football at La Rosaleda.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Duda, Morales, Portillo and Santa Cruz. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Adrian, Guilavogui, Rodriguez and their new signing Sosa in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. Let's hope for more opportunities in the second 45 minutes. Atletico get the second period underway on this mild afternoon in Spain.
Excuse me, there was indeed one change at the interval with Adrian Lopez replacing Torres for Atletico. The 18-year-old struggled to influence proceedings in the first period. No changes for Malaga at the break. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to claim all the points this afternoon. Surely Atletico will raise the tempo as the half gathers pace.
The interval has done nothing to interrupt the scrappy nature of the match as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. It would not be a surprise to see a red card issued that is for certain. No real chances for either team in the second half, but Atletico are enjoying more of the ball with 50 minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder that Atletico have their new signing Jose Sosa on the bench this afternoon. The attacker has joined the Spanish side on loan from Ukrainian club Metalist Kharkiv until the end of the season. It would not be a surprise to see changes made as the second period gathers pace. In truth, not much has happened in the opening eight minutes of the second half. The game is crying out for a moment of inspiration.
Juanfran becomes the latest name to enter the referee's book as the Atletico right-back fells Antunes on the left. The resulting free kick is delivered by Antunes, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure continues with Darder, but his effort is blocked by Adrian.
Just a reminder that a point would be enough to move Atletico top of the table, for 24 hours at least. However, if they are to win the league this season, this is the type of match that they simply have to win. Barcelona and Real Madrid will only get stronger in the second half of the campaign. Still goalless with little over 30 minutes of this contest remaining at La Rosaleda.
Antunes remains a threat for the home side as he delivers a low cross into the Atletico box, but Courtois is on hand to collect. We are getting to the stage where both managers will be thinking about changes. Atletico have already looked to their bench once this afternoon with Adrian replacing Torres at the interval.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Costa finds Adrian inside the Malaga box, but the Spaniard cannot turn inside Antunes at the vital moment. That is the best opportunity that we have seen in the second period. Still 30 minutes for someone to find a goal here.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Adrian delivers a dangerous cross into the Malaga box, but Caballero is on hand to clear, before Darder loses possession down the other end. Atletico make their second change of the match moments later as Rodriguez replaces Turan, who had just fired one high and wide of the crossbar.
Atletico continue to raise the tempo as they force two corners in quick succession, but Darder and Sanchez take it in turns to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the away side can sense something here as they continue to put the pressure on the hosts. Plenty happening with 66 minutes on the clock, but the score remains goalless.
Double change for Malaga as Santa Cruz and Duda replace Eliseu and Juanmi. Both managers have one change remaining if they wish to alter proceedings in the latter stages. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match. Atletico continue to look the most likely with 20 minutes or so remaining.
Malaga are really struggling to keep the ball at the moment as Atletico continue to dominate possession in forward areas, but still no sign of the opening goal. I think it would be fair to say that one goal would be enough to claim the points. Antunes strikes one from distance moments later, but Courtois makes the save.
GOAL! Malaga 0-1 Atletico (Koke)
Atletico take the lead with 20 minutes remaining as Koke reacts first to a loose ball inside the box before slotting his effort into the back of the net. What a goal that could prove to be in the title race.
Atletico have not particularly played well this afternoon, but Diego Simeone will not care one bit if his side claim all three points. These are title-winning games there is no question about that. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining. As it stands, the away side are moving three points clear at the top of the league table.
Good pressure from Malaga in the last couple of moments as Antunes delivers a dangerous cross into the Atletico box, but Courtois just manages to palm clear. The resulting corner from Duda is met by Santa Cruz, but his header is wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining. Still Atletico lead 1-0.
Half-chance for Samuel as the Malaga forward strikes one from outside the box, but Courtois is on hand to make the save. Costa clashes with Caballero down the other end inside the Malaga box moments later and picks up a yellow card for his troubles. For me, that was a 50/50 challenge between two committed players.
Malaga make their third and final change as Morales replaces Angeleri for the final 10 minutes or so. Duda attempts to force the issue for the home side moments later with a mazy run into the box, but Juanfran is across to clear at the vital moment. Non-stop action with 80 minutes on the clock.
Malaga are refusing to accept this one-goal defeat as they continue to push forward, but the majority of their efforts have been from outside the box. Duda is next to try his luck, but it does not worry Courtois. Atletico, meanwhile, have just started to retreat as they protect their lead. Is there to be late drama?
Desperate defending from Atletico in the last couple of moments as Miranda is forced to turn behind his own goal following strong pressure from Santa Cruz. The resulting corner finds Sanchez inside the box, but his effort is blocked. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining at La Rosaleda.
Atletico make their third and final change of the afternoon as Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld replaces Villa, who has struggled to influence proceedings in Malaga. The away side have adopted a five-man defence as the aerial bombardment continues. If Malaga are to level, the goal has to come in the next two minutes or so.
Half-chance for Costa on the counter attack as the Atletico forward drives into the Malaga box, but he cannot escape the challenge of Sanchez at the final moment. Malaga are down the other end with Darder moments later, but his cross is headed clear by Godin. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Antunes becomes the latest name to enter the book as the Malaga defender handballs following a challenge with Costa, who had been on the counter. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Can Malaga force one more opportunity? It doesn't appear likely at the moment.
FULL TIME: Malaga 0-1 Atletico
So there we have it. Koke's second-half strike is enough to secure all the points for Atletico, who move top of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again from 6.30pm for Valencia against Levante. Until then!
