Malaga travelled to Real Valladolid on Saturday looking to consolidate their position in fourth spot in the table.
They took the lead early on when Martin Demichelis headed home from close range, but Manucho levelled with a similar effort moments before the interval.
Both sides pushed for the winner in the latter stages, but neither could find the back of the net as the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga comes from the Jose Zorrilla as Real Valladolid welcome Malaga. The home side have enjoyed a comfortable season to date, while Malaga currently occupy the final Champions League position, although financial restrictions will prevent them from playing in that competition next season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Malaga have won three of the last five matches, remaining unbeaten in that period. The last time that the two sides met in this stadium was in December 2009, when the points were shared in a 1-1 draw. However, it would be fair to state that a lot has changed at both clubs since then.
As mentioned, Valladolid currently occupy 12th spot in the table. They picked up a point in a 0-0 draw with Espanyol last time out, but were beaten 3-0 by Atletico Madrid in their last home league match. I suspect that if you had offered Valladolid a mid-table finish at the beginning of the season, then they would certainly have taken it.
Their home form has been fairly solid this season with five wins from their 13 matches, but it has been their record on the road that has impressed, with four wins from 12 matches, the sixth-best record in the division. Should they win this evening, they would move into 10th position in the table.
TEAMS:
VALLADOLID: Hernandez; Sereno, Rukavina, Balenziaga, Rueda; Rubio, Ramos, Sastre; Manucho, Larsson, Bueno
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, Demichelis, Lugano, Antunes; Duda, Iturra, Camacho; Piazon, Santa Cruz, Saviola
So there we have it. Interesting team selection from both managers, with each seemingly lining up with three striker. Manucho continues in the home side's attack alongside Larsson and Bueno, but Oscar Gonzales is on the bench. Meanwhile, Isco and Joaquin drop out for Malaga, allowing Piazon and Saviola to come into the team.
Malaga, meanwhile, have hit a poor run of form at the worst possible time. They have taken 11 points from their last six matches, but are without a win in three. That run of form has allowed those behind them to close the gap in La Liga, while they were also defeated 1-0 by Porto in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
Malaga’s away form has also been impressive this season with five wins from their 12 matches. Only Real Betis, Real Madrid and Barcelona have won more games on the road. Their home form has also been fairly solid, meanwhile, with seven wins from their 14 matches, taking 25 points in the process.
Malaga will also enter the match with the second-best defensive record in La Liga having conceded just 24 goals, while Valladolid have conceded 33. Down the other end, the total is a lot closer with Malaga scoring 37 to Valladolid’s 34. Those statistics point to a close match this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Valladolid have been on a good run of form in recent weeks, but I think Malaga will get back on track with all three points. Narrow away win for me.
Just a reminder of the main team news. Valladolid continue with Manucho and Bueno in attack alongside Larsson. Meanwhile, Malaga are without Isco and Joaquin, who both take their place on the bench. Strong start from the home side as Larsson forces a corner, but Caballero comes out to collect under pressure.
Again it's good work from Larsson as the Swede collects possession just outside the box before turning and striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a good atmosphere. High-tempo opening couple of minutes to this match.
Malaga are just struggling to exert any sort of influence at the moment with Iturra and Camacho losing the battle in midfield. It is surprising to see Isco relegated to the bench for this match, but he has not been his usual self in the last couple of weeks. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on this match.
First real sign of Piazon, who is on loan from Chelsea, as the striker collects a pass from Duda before driving into the box, but his final touch was just too long, with Hernandez out to collect. End-to-end opening six minutes to the match, but neither side has really worried the opposing goalkeeper thus far.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-1 Malaga (Demichelis)
Malaga take the lead with eight minutes on the clock as Demichelis heads a Duda free kick into the back of the net. What on earth was happening with the Valladolid defence? They allowed the defender to ghost into the penalty area. Big moment in the early stages of this match.
The home side attempt to force an equaliser down the other end as Bueno darts into the penalty area, but Lugano is across to clear at the vital moment. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Sereno fires a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. End-to-end football here.
Really sharp passing from Malaga at the moment as Iturra breaks forward from midfield before finding Saviola, but the striker is immediately surrounded by two defenders. Demichelis appears to have a taste for goals as he collects possession before driving to the edge of the Valladolid box, but his effort was always moving wide of the target.
It is the Malaga supporters that can be heard inside this famous stadium at the moment, with their side looking to move three points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis in the table. Just a reminder that Malaga will not play Champions League football next season even if they finish fourth due to financial issues.
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Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with the referee called into action to deal with a number of free kicks. Demichelis reacts angrily to a high challenge from Manucho, but the official does not award a card. There is a sense of ill-feeling surrounding this match. Let's hope that we can keep all 22 players on the pitch.
Valladolid continue to force the issue as Manucho collects possession in a wide area before searching out the run of Bueno, but Caballero is quick off his line to clear the danger. Neither side has really taken control in the opening 19 minutes, but the single goal separates the two sides.
Malaga attempt to force the issue down the other end moments later as Piazon combines with Santa Cruz before slipping a low pass towards Saviola, but Sereno comes across to clear the danger. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Larsson has a shot down the other end, but it is straight at the goalkeeper.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but there are plenty of indications that we will see more goals this evening. Sastre is again the craftsman for the home side as he dances into the box before finding Manucho, but Demichelis is across to clear for a corner.
There is more potency about Malaga in this particular match with Santa Cruz, Piazon and Saviola all offering a different threat. There has been a criticism that teams have been able to work them out in recent weeks, but that is not the case here. They are the team pushing for the second goal with just about 20 minutes of the half remaining.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Bueno strikes an effort from outside the box, but Caballero was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Malaga attempt to counter down the other end with Duda, but the Portuguese just cannot slide a pass towards Saviola, with the home side regaining possession.
Another half-chance arrives for Valladolid as Manucho wins the aerial duel with Demichelis before turning and striking in one movement, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. In fairness to the home supporters, they have continued to back their team. I would be astounded if we did not see more goals in this match.
It's good feet from Duda as the Portuguese produces a back-flick towards Saviola, with the striker firing an effort towards goal, but Sereno is across to make the block. The volume rises once more as Larsson carries the ball the length of the pitch, but it ends in disappointment as the Swede fires straight at Caballero from inside the box.
Manucho is once more involved for the home side as the former Manchester United striker meets a cross from Sereno, but he just cannot control his header towards the goal. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but the end-to-end period of the match remains. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Caballero is once more called into action as the Argentine is forced into a low save from Larsson. The resulting corner is fired into the penalty area by Omar Ramos, but Santa Cruz is back doing his defensive work. This opening 37 minutes of football has just flown by, but the two sides are separated by just the one goal - that header from Demichelis in the early stages.
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The aerial battle between Manucho and the Malaga defence continues as the Valladolid striker is deemed to have fouled Jesus Gamez outside the Malaga box. Not too many get the best of the powerful striker, but the likes of Demichelis and Gamez have certainly ruffled a few feathers. Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments.
Little under five minutes of the half remaining, with Malaga leading by just the one goal. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances for either side, but there have been plenty of indications that goals will come in the second period. After all, each team has three strikers on the pitch.
A floated cross from Duda into the Valladolid penalty area causes all sorts of problems as it appears to stick in the ground, but Hernandez does manage to clear at the vital moment. Gamez is involved moments later as he combines with Iturra before striking towards goal, but his smile tells the whole story as it floats over the crossbar.
GOAL! Real Valladolid 1-1 Malaga (Manucho)
It just had to be him! Manucho comes up trumps for the home side as he thumps a header into the back of the net following a cross from Sastre. Wonderful effort from the former Manchester United striker. He levels the terms in the latter stages of the first period.
Malaga attempt to regain the lead almost immediately as Saviola combines with Santa Cruz before driving into the box, but the Argentine cannot find a strike at the vital moment. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Real Valladolid 1-1 Malaga
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Malaga took the lead in the early stages when Demichelis headed home from close range, but Manucho levelled with a similar effort five minutes before the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of events. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive in the overall contest.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides just attempting to feel their way into this second period. Larsson is again involved for the home side as he drives down the left before finding Manucho in the box, but this time the striker can only head his effort over the crossbar.
Malaga force a free kick moments later as Sastre fells Iborra outside the penalty area. The resulting effort is taken by Duda, but the referee is on hand to award a foul in the penalty area. It has been that kind of start to the second period, not much tempo with both sides having to deal with a number of fouls.
Even the crowd has been quiet in the second period thus far with not too much to shout about on the pitch. Santa Cruz attempts to force the issue as the Malaga striker turns and fires an effort towards the top corner, but his finish left a lot to be desired. Malaga are the better side in possession as things stand, but the score remains 1-1.
Again Santa Cruz is involved as the on-loan Manchester City striker takes control of a high ball before finding Saviola, but the Argentine just cannot collect at the vital moment. Still no movement on either bench, although I suspect that will change in the next 10 minutes or so.
It is almost as if Valladolid have lost some belief in this second period with Manucho cutting an isolated figure in the final third. Sastre attempts to force the issue as he drives down the right before cutting a cross towards Larsson, but in keeping with the period of the match, the Swede cannot control.
The home side make their first change of the match just before the hour mark as Bueno is replaced by Oscar Gonzalez. The Spaniard has just not been able to influence proceedings in the second period. Little over 30 minutes of football for one of these two teams to find a winner. I would be astounded if we did not see another goal.
Valladolid make their second change of the match in quick succession as Larsson is replaced by Valdet Rama. Still no movement on the Malaga bench, although I expect that to change in the next 10 minutes or so. Rama almost makes an immediate impact as he threads a pass towards Manucho, but Gamez is across to clear.
Decent pressure from the home side once more as Rama collects possession on the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Gamez is across to make the clearance. Still no real chances for either team as the second period continues to gather pace. On the face of it, a point apiece would not be the worst result in the world.
Valladolid are playing the better football at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Malaga half, but aside from Manucho, there isn't really a player that is prepared to face up to the back four. I would be surprised if we didn't see the like of Isco and Joaquin in the next five minutes or so.
Demichelis is forced into a wonderful defensive clearance as the Argentine manages to beat Manucho to the ball at the far post. The resulting corner is whipped into the penalty area by Sastre, but Caballero comes to claim. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga clash.
Meanwhile, Malaga do indeed make their first change of the match as Duda is replaced by Isco. The Spaniard has not been in good form in recent weeks, but what a time it would be to make his point. He is involved immediately as he collects possession from Santa Cruz, but he is crowded out by three players.
Half-chance for Oscar as the Valladolid attacker meets a bouncing ball from Sastre, but Caballero is out to claim at the vital moment. Real end-to-end football at the moment, but you cannot say that either team has really done enough to be leading at this stage of the match. You just get the feeling that there is going to be a late sting in the tail.
Just about 15 minutes of football remaining in this contest and still the sides cannot be separated. Santa Cruz is again involved for Malaga as the striker dances into the box before striking towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Demichelis is then called into action to clear a Sastre cross moments later.
It's good work from Isco as the Spaniard starts to craft and probe outside the penalty area, but there is just no way through this stern defence. Meanwhile, the away side make their second change of the match as Pedro Morales replaces Piazon, who has really struggled this evening truth be told.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances as we enter the final 10 minutes of this match. Malaga arguably had the better of the play in the first period, but Valladolid have been the better side for large periods of the second 45 minutes. You just get the feeling that there is going to be some late drama here.
Slightly scrappy couple of moments to the match as both sides desperately search for the possession. Isco is involved for Malaga as the Spaniard probes outside the box before finding Saviola, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Both managers have one change left if they should so wish.
Another half-chance comes to Isco as the midfielder combines with Santa Cruz before driving an inviting cross into the box, but there are no takers as the ball moves out of play for a throw. Time is just running out if we are to see a winner, but there is always a chance of something happening late on.
Little over two minutes of normal time remaining and still neither side can find that elusive strike, which would certainly be the winner. Valladolid attempt to force the issue once more as Sereno comes forward from defence, but his cross is straight into the arms of Caballero.
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There was a time in the second period when I was certain that we would see at least one more goal, but the tempo has dropped to such a state that it is almost as if both teams are playing for the draw. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are into the first of those.
The home side continue to force the issue in the final moments of this match with two corners in quick succession, but Manucho heads wide before Caballero claims the second. Just about one minute of football remaining in this La Liga encounter. It appears that both sides will indeed share the points.
FULL-TIME: Real Valladolid 1-1 Malaga
So there we have it. Neither side can find the winner as the points are shared in a 1-1 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Barcelona against Deportivo. Until then!
