Atlético Madrid looked comfortable with a two-goal lead at half-time, but Málaga managed to pull a goal back and add tension to the encounter. It became an uphill struggle for the visitors, after Samu was dismissed, then Simeone’s men grabbed a third and decisive goal, before Gabi also saw red in the final moments.
Neither side could get shots through on target in the opening ten minutes, although Atlético Madrid were looking more dangerous with their crossing, keeping the Málaga full-backs busy.
In the 12th minute the home side were protesting for a penalty, after a Koke strike appeared to strike the arm of a visiting defender, but the referee was content there was no intention and awarded a corner instead. In typical fashion however and dangerous as ever from set-pieces, that brought the opening goal. Koke with the ball into the area and a perfectly timed header from Tiago, giving Kameni no chance.
The opening goal and the crowd at the Vicente Calderón urged Atlético on and for a long spell, they had complete dominance of play, forcing Málaga to defend deep in their half, although with solidity until Koke caught a quick sight of goal, but couldn’t hit the target in the 28th minute.
Unable to break through the middle, Atlético looked to width and dangerous crosses, but still Málaga held firm. When the visitors did get chances to break forward beyond the half-hour mark and with a good spell of possession, Simeone’s side were just as resolute defensively and snuffing out any danger before it got anywhere near their area.
Eventually in the 42nd minute and with a lovely move starting with a combination between Mandzukic and Arda Turan, the Turk found enough space to squeeze the ball through to the far post, where Griezmann arrived to make a simple finish. For the remaining moments of the half and comfortably two goals to the good, they simply kept hold of possession.
The referee was kept busy as play resumed in for the second half, showing four yellow cards in the space of ten minutes, with two for each side, although Málaga were showing more intensity and getting forward well. After a swift counter saw Gabi fire wide, Atlético made their first change of the game with Mandzukic replaced by Raúl Jiménez in the 57th minute and the Mexican forward almost adding the third goal five minutes later, but his header denied well by Kameni.
Málaga looked for some fresh impetus just after the hour, as Horta replaced Miguel Torres and Gracia went for a more attacking shape. That seemed to pay quick dividends, with a quick interchange of passes creating an opening for Santa Cruz to narrow the deficit.
That seemed to bring a little more tension to the game as the two sides tussled for possession, although neither were able to show any dominance for a spell, until Málaga managed to force a corner in the 73rd minute. That seemed to cause the Atlético defence initial problems, though to the relief of their outfield players, goalkeeper Moyà was alert and eventually able to snuff out the danger, ahead of any rival players arriving to take advantage. As play broke forward with the home side though and within the same minute, Raúl Jiménez was brought down from behind by Samu. With no doubts from the referee, a second yellow card was shown and Málaga were down to ten men.
Now with the game even more of an uphill struggle, Gracia made his next change in the 75th minute, sending on Recio for Darder. Atlético were looking to make the most of their numerical advantage on the pitch and in the 80th minute, a double chance almost brought the third goal. Koke with an initial free-kick that Kameni could only parry into the path of Griezmann, who snatched at his finish and fired into the side netting.
Griezmann would be the next to leave the pitch as Atlético made their second change, Saúl Ñíguez on in his place. Another set piece and just as lethally executed in the 84th minute as the home side found the decisive goal. A short corner, Koke with a cross that Kameni couldn’t clear far enough away, then Tiago with a first time ball for Godín to head in at the far post.
Final changes in the 87th minute as Málaga sent on Luis Alberto for Juanmi, whilst Raúl García replaced Arda Turan for Atlético, who left the pitch to generous applause from the Calderón crowd. Just a minute later though and the home side were also down to ten men. Gabi collecting his second yellow for a foul on Castillejo. There wasn’t enough time left for that to make any difference though. Simeone’s side claimed all three points and stopped the good run Málaga had been enjoying of late, firmly in its tracks.
