Málaga vs Atlético Madrid Match Preview
Manuel Pellegrini has injected Malaga with a renewed spirit in La Rosaleda, having won the last three matches at home. Atletico's coach Quique Sanchez Flores' can do with every single player in his squad for this year's final clash, while Malaga misses Patrick Mtiliga due tu injuries.
Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero has played a vital role in the last few games for Atletico. Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa will be playing one of his last games with los Rojiblancos, building a strong partnership with Jose Reyes, whose favorable evolution might let him play in the starting eleven.
Manu Torres will be Malaga's main driver, joining Sandro Silva in the midfield. Uruguayan striker Sebastian Fernandez and Rondon will be leading the attack, eager to inflict new wounds in the Rojiblancos.
Atletico faced elimination from the Europa League earlier this week and there's no better antidote than a victory in the last game of the year. Malaga will be highly compromised with the relegation fight with anything but a victory, who'll succeed?
Málaga vs Atlético Madrid Match Report
Quique Sanchez Flores' Rojiblancos made all too easy at the Rosaleda and celebrated a major victory over Malaga, thanks to Tiago's double. Uruguayan international Diego Forlan watched the whole game from the bench, as Atletico's coach favored Raul Garcia to join Sergio Aguero in the attack.
Three powerful headers gave Atletico three decisive points in the final match of the year. Alvaro Dominguez score his first goal with Atletico on the hour mark.
Simao's and Tiago's partnership overwhelmed Malaga's defenders, as the hosts were much more focused on keeping Aguero and Jose Reyes under a close watch. The Portuguese was unstoppable and showed to be in excellent form in what could have been his last game with Atletico.
David De Gea's excellent form allowed Atletico to keep his goal shut for the second consecutive match, after a disappointing performance in the previous matches.
Atletico exposed Malaga's every weakness, turning the Madrigal into their own personal playground. Malaga's coach Manuel Pellegrini's Boquerones has been left with a mountain to climb in the second half of La Liga to retain the category.
With some assistance from their neighbors, Atletico might finish the year occupying the last Champions League place.