Atletico Madrid 3 - 1 Malaga Unconvincing champions halt in form visitors The La Liga champion wasnt at its best but still managed to secure all three points. Atletico Madrid bounced back from the defeat against Real Sociedad by beating in-form Malaga 3-1 in unconvincing fashion Saturday. The reigning Liga champion never really hit top gear at the Vicente Calderon and, despite looking comfortable in the first period, Diego Simeones men were made to fight for all three points. Malaga traveled to the capital on the back of five straight league wins, but Javi Gracias side struggled throughout the first half, with Tiago heading Atletico ahead before Antoine Griezmann doubled his teams lead in the 42nd minute. Roque Santa Cruz pulled one back for Malaga with 26 minutes to go as the away side appeared far more decisive and fluid in the final third after halftime. Raul Jimenez, a second-half substitute for Mario Mandzukic, saw a couple of excellent chances go begging, although Atletico ultimately sealed all three points seven minutes from time as Diego Godin nodded in the third from close range. Although Malaga came into the clash in fine form, Atletico looked very much in charge during the early exchanges as it pressed high and pushed the visitors back. Koke appeared destined to give the hosts a 12th-minute lead as he latched on to Juanfrans cutback and fired at goal following Mandzukics stepover, only for Weligton to make a crucial block. Atletico was not to be denied from the resulting corner, though, as Tiago met Kokes corner and headed beyond Carlos Kameni, who probably should have done better. Simeones men appeared to relax after taking the lead, inviting Malaga back into the contest as the away side began to enjoy more possession. But, even with a hamstring injury keeping the ever-reliable Miranda out of Atleticos defense, Malaga was unable to break through the hosts backline and test Miguel Angel Moya in goal. As a result, Atletico punished Malaga on the counterattack just before the break to open up a two-goal cushion. Arda Turan raced down the right after linking well with Mandzukic and his teasing low cross was tapped in at the back post by the lurking Griezmann. Malaga began the second half with renewed determination and came close to pulling one back in the 49th minute, but Juanmi failed to hit the target after pouncing on Santa Cruzs flick-on. Much-improved Malaga finally brought itself within striking distance of Atletico three minutes later, as Santa Cruz, starting because of an injury to Nordin Amrabat, steered in Samu Castillejos deep cross from a tight angle. The visitors continued to push for an equalizer but were ultimately undone again at the back as Tiago lifted a cross over Kameni and Godin bundled over the line to complete a hard-fought Atletico victory. https://youtube/watch?v=AYfm28SfjUs
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 09:30:28 +0000
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