Atlético de Madrid were unable to begin La Liga on the right foot. Abel Resino’s squad were lacking a bit of luck with their final shot and ended up losing to Málaga by a score of 3-0, as the home side were more effective than their adversary and came away with the three points at stake.Atlético took the pitch with the idea that their manager wants to implement this year: going out to win in all stadiums, regardless of the opponent or the play displayed. The opening minutes saw a side that wanted to keep the ball and control the match. They wanted to begin the league championship with a victory and didn’t sit back and wait for it.Málaga, with plenty of enthusiasm, thanks to the support that they received from their fans, watched the ‘rojiblancos’ move the ball around, but also wanted to play their part in the encounter. Just four minutes in they gave the first warning with an off-target shot. The response didn’t take long to come as Raúl García had a chance on a header.Atlético began to believe in their chances little-by-little. They put their opponent under pressure by getting plenty of touches on the ball. Kun Agüero was the player who finally got the ‘rojiblanco’ supporters out of their seats in minute 14. A great play from the Argentinean, who dribbled every opponent who stepped in his way, ended with his cross to the penalty spot being headed off the crossbar by Simao. The goal that the fans who had shown up at La Rosaleda were getting ready to celebrate had to wait. The subsequent corner kick was shot unsuccessfully by Ujfalusi.As the minutes passed, Málaga began to settle in on the playing field. They pushed forward with more heart than play, but they started to arrive at Asenjo’s area. The worst came in minute 27 on a silly play. A foul was called on Agüero and the Argentine continued the play and was booked. Abel criticized the referee’s decision and was sent off. Nerves began to take control of the visitors.Shortly thereafter a Málaga long pass from the midfield sent in strikers Baha and Duda, who had gotten behind the Atleti defence. The result: goal for the home squad. A real blow for Abel’s lads. The reaction wouldn’t come until the final play of the first half. Again Agüero marched in on Munúa, but the Uruguayan made a fine save to prevent the equaliser.In the second half Atlético de Madrid, aware that a draw wasn’t enough, went for it all by getting back to the way they had been playing at the start of the match. On the other hand, without changing up their play too much, Málaga began to give up space to their opponent.Abel Resino’s squad began to attack Munúa’s goal more frequently and with more clarity. The control in the midfield was now absolute for the ‘rojiblancos’, while López Muniz’s men sat back in their half.Cléber, from outside the area, sent a shot heading for the upper corner. But again Munúa was there to make the save and keep the visitors off the scoreboard.But it was clear that today wasn’t Atleti’s day. A hard tackle on Raúl García forced the player from Navarre to head for the dressing room. The place left by the director of the orchestra was taken by Jurado. Abel Resino, from the stands, wasn’t impressed by the play of his team and decided to give a fresh air to the wings and sent on Reyes. He had hardly been on the pitch for a few minutes when Málaga struck again.A loose ball in the area, off a corner kick, fell to the feet of Manu Torres, who knocked in the second goal. It was too much of a prize for their scarce play exhibited during the match. There were still plenty of minutes left to be played, and although they tried and had some chances, it was clear that today the coin didn’t fall on the side of the ‘rojiblancos’.Maxi, Kun and Forlán tried their best, but without any luck. With the passing of the minutes, Málaga played a practical football. Without great plays or many touches, but very effective. They tried to play in long balls behind the pushed up Atlético back line. A final attempt was had by sending on Sinama for Maxi on the wing, but the sought-after goals didn’t come, and Málaga was able to tally a third. It was a harsh punishment for Atlético de Madrid.
Atlético de Madrid: Sergio Asenjo; Heitinga, Juanito, Ujfalusi, Antonio López; Maxi Rodríguez (Sinama, 78’), Cléber Santana, Raúl García (Jurado, 56’), Simao (Reyes, 60’); Diego Forlán and Sergio Agüero.
Referee: Muñiz Fernández.
Att: 23,000
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