Atlético hold Malaga

Wednesday, 11 January 2012 16:31

Written by Editor

Malaga  0 - 0  Atlético Madrid

In last Tuesday's battling performance in the Copa del Rey, Malaga faced Real Madrid and at one point they had led the Galacticos 2-0. Indeed they went in for the break still with that lead. In the second half Real stepped up a gear and the game finally ended 3-2 in Real Madrid’s favour.

On Saturday night Malaga faced Real's local rivals Atlético and they started the game well.   Malaga playing with a relatively young side bossed the game early on, with the Argentinian Buonanotte testing the Athlético goalkeeper before Rondon saw his powerful header tipped over by Courtois on 18 minutes as Malaga looked for the opening.  On the half hour Diego's deflected shot hit the bar for Atlético which was really their only first half effort on goal.

The second half began with Atlético more fired up by their new manager Diego Simione (the ex Argentinian defender, who got David Beckham sent off in the 1998 World Cup). Falcao for Atlético had the ball in the net after fouling Willy Caballero and Carzola then had to clear off the line to keep the score goalless.  Substitute Van Nistelrooy had a half chance as Malaga took control again but in the end the game fizzled out.

Next weekend Malaga travel to Sporting Gijon who are struggling at the foot of the table.

Report by: Scott Forbes