Atletico Madrid welcomed Malaga to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday knowing that victory would leave them needing just one point next week against Barcelona to secure the La Liga title.
Neither side could break the deadlock in an open first period in the Spanish capital.
Samuel handed Malaga the lead after 65 minutes, but Atletico were level nine minutes later when Toby Alderweireld found the back of the net with a powerful header.
Barcelona's draw at Elche meant that a winner would have secured the title for Atletico, but they could not find a second, with the league to be decided at the Camp Nou next weekend.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues this late afternoon/early evening as Atletico Madrid welcome Malaga to the Vicente Calderon. The home side need just four points from their final two league games to secure the title, while they could win the league today if Barcelona fail to beat Elche. Malaga, meanwhile, currently sit in 13th spot in the table. They are not yet safe from the drop, but are five points clear of the drop zone. Right, the team has has already filtered through from Madrid...
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Alderweireld, Miranda, Luis; Tiago, Koke, Gabi; Turan, Villa, Garcia
MALAGA: Caballero; Antunes, Weligton, Angeleri, Eliseu; Camacho, Darder; Samuel, Amrabat, Duda; Santa Cruz
So there we have it. Diego Costa has not made it for Atletico this evening, with the forward not in the XI or among the subs for the home side. As a result, David Villa comes into the side, while there is also a start for Toby Alderweireld, who replaces the suspended Diego Godin. Malaga are as expected, with Roque Santa Cruz leading the line. Duda also starts in a forward position, while Eliseu is at left-back once more.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won three of the last five matches, with the further two fixtures ending in goalless draws. Atletico were 1-0 winners in the reverse match earlier this season, while they also beat Malaga 2-1 in this stadium last season. Incredibly, Malaga have scored just twice in their last five clashes with the capital outfit. Little over 20 minutes until kickoff...
Atletico enter the match off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Levante last weekend. They remain in charge of their own destiny, however, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also slipping up. As it stands, Diego Simeone's side are three points clear of second-place Barcelona and four clear of third-place Real Madrid. If Atletico win this evening then they will mathematically eliminate their capital rivals from the race and it would be between themselves and Barcelona at the Camp Nou next weekend. What an incredible prospect!
The La Liga leaders have the best home record in the division this season having won 15 of their 18 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. Remarkably, they have also conceded just nine times on their own patch, which is comfortably the best record in the league. Should that record continue this evening then they would need just one point against Barca next weekend to win their first La Liga title for almost 20 years.
Atletico have scored 75 times in their 36 league games this season, with Costa finding the back of the net on 27 occasions. It has been more of a struggle for Malaga, however, with just 37 in their 36 games. Down the other end, Atletico have the best defensive record in the league with just 24 conceded – keeping 20 clean sheets in the process. That said, Malaga's defensive record has been far from disastrous at this stage of the campaign with 45 goals conceded, which is just 10 more than Real Madrid.
Malaga enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Elche last weekend, with that result meaning that they are still looking over their shoulders. Last season's Champions League quarter-finalists have also won just one of their last four and as a result, sit 13th in the table on 41 points, five clear of 18th-place Almeria with two games remaining. Little under 10 minutes until kickoff at the Calderon this evening.
Their home form has been fairly disappointing this season with nine defeats from their 18 matches, which is more than Osasuna and Almeria, who both sit in the drop zone at this stage. They have won four times on their travels, meanwhile, losing eight times in the process. In truth, even if they lose their final two matches this season, they are almost certain to be safe. It would take a quite remarkable turn of events for them to drop into the Segunda Division alongside basement side Real Betis and one other.
PREDICTION: In truth, I cannot see anything other than a routine home win this evening. Atletico simply cannot afford to slip up on their own patch and with Malaga all but safe from relegation, I am not expecting a shock result. I expect Atletico, Barcelona and Real Madrid all to win this evening.
Just a full-time to bring you from La Liga - Athletic Bilbao have drawn 1-1 with Real Sociedad at San Mames. All remaining 18 teams are in action at 6pm. Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken, flags exchanged and now Atletico get us underway.
It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, which is not a surprise. It has been a confident start from the leaders, who force a free kick outside the Malaga boss through Gabi. The skipper delivers the resulting set piece into the area, but Angeleri is on hand to clear the danger.
Almost a nervous moment for Courtois as Samuel delivers a cross towards the Atletico goalkeeper, he makes a meal of the first catch, but does manage to collect. Atletico are down the other end with Turan moments later, but the Turkish international cannot find Villa. End-to-end football in the Spanish capital.
BOOKING! Early yellow card for Weligton as the Malaga centre-back throws his elbow into the face of Raul Garcia. Another free kick for Atletico outside the Malaga box...
... Koke delivers towards the near post, but Angeleri is across to clear the danger. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but Tiago heads wide of the post. Good period of football from Atletico.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Tiago threatens to meet a cross from Gabi, but Eliseu manages to clear at the vital moment. He almost took the midfielder's head off! It is still goalless between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid, and Elche and Barcelona. Eight minutes played and Malaga have possession inside the Atletico half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Malaga have started to see more of the ball in the Atletico half. A late challenge from Alderweireld on Amrabat hands the visitors a free kick outside the Atletico box, but the referee spots something inside the area and blows for a foul.
CROSSBAR! Atletico come close to taking the lead as Garcia finds Villa inside the Malaga box, but the Spanish international strikes the crossbar from close range. What an opportunity!
Juanfran and Luis have started to offer Atletico width in the last couple of minutes, with Malaga dropping into a defensive position. Koke attempts to slide a through pass towards Turan, but Eliseu is across to clear at the vital moment. The tempo has just started to rise with 14 minutes on the clock in the capital.
Again it is bright work from Malaga as Samuel steps over an Amrabat pass, allowing Antunes to drive into the Atletico box, but the defender's touch is just too strong and the danger is cleared. Atletico are down the other end with Turan moments later, but the Turkish international is crowded out at the vital moment.
Weligton just needs to be a little bit careful for Malaga as the centre-back, having already been booked, challenges Garcia once more. Atletico continue to enjoy possession in the Malaga half, but they are struggling to find a way through this stern defence. Luis delivers a dangerous cross into a crowded box moments later, but Angeleri beats Garcia in the air with goalkeeper Caballero stranded.
Amrabat continues to threaten for Malaga as the Turkish international drives into the Atletico box before floating a cross towards the far post, but Courtois is on hand to collect. Samuel threatens for Malaga moments later, but Tiago comes across to foul the Spaniard. Still goalless after 21 minutes of action.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Malaga are enjoying themselves at the moment as Samuel delivers another low cross into the Atletico box, but Juanfran clears. Not too much from the home side as it stands.
Another half-chance for the away side as Darder threatens to meet a loose ball inside the Atletico box, but Gabi is on hand to make a wonderful challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered into the Atletico area, but Miranda is on hand to clear. Nervy defensive moments for the current league leaders.
Atletico just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Malaga continue to force the issue. The atmosphere has dropped, which is a reflection of matters on the field. Still no goals in the games involving Real Madrid and Barcelona, meanwhile, with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for Atletico as Koke battles for possession in midfield before attempting to release Turan, but Caballero is out to collect at the vital moment. Samuel is down the other end for the away side moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Courtois as the match flows from end-to-end.
Atletico threaten once more as Garcia's header threatens to fall for Villa inside the Malaga box, but the former had moved into an offside position before meeting a cross from Luis. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but the home side have just started to take control of the match in the final third.
Atletico threaten once more as Turan drives into the Malaga half before attempting to float a pass towards Villa, but it just runs away from the Spanish international at the final moment. You can just sense the nerves inside the stadium at the moment as the first period continues to gather pace in the capital.
BOOKING! Atletico midfielder Turan is booked for diving inside the Malaga box.
Still no goals at the Calderon, with Malaga fairly comfortable in dealing with the threat from Atletico. There is still plenty of football to be played, but the nerves will grow if the score remains 0-0 around the hour mark in this match. Malaga have started to drop deeper and deeper, which is bad news for them.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Juanfran drives down the right before finding Koke inside the Malaga box, but the midfielder's effort is wide of the post. Good opportunity for the home side.
CHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for Atletico as Garcia has a free header inside the Malaga box, but his effort is wide of the post. Malaga are living a charmed life at the moment.
UPDATE: Real Madrid have gone 1-0 down against Celta Vigo.
BOOKING! Malaga defender Angeleri is booked for time-wasting.
As it stands, Real Madrid will be out of the title race this evening. Still no goals between Elche and Barcelona, while Atletico remain level with Malaga. Strong pressure from the home side in the latter stages of the half, but still Malaga resist the pressure. Serious nerves inside the stadium at the moment.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 0-0 Malaga
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Atletico have had the better chances, but Malaga have also had their moments in an open first period. As mentioned, Real Madrid are losing 1-0 at Celta Vigo, while Elche and Barcelona is also goalless at the interval.
STATISTICS: Atletico have just about shaded the possession with 54%, while they have had six attempts, but failed to hit the target thus far. Malaga, meanwhile, have had one attempt on target. It has been a untidy half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with the referee issuing three bookings.
BENCH WATCH: Atletico are without their leading scorer Diego Costa (groin problem) this evening, but Diego Simeone does have the likes of Adrian, Diego and Sosa in reserve. Malaga, meanwhile, have attacking options in the shape of Iakovenko, Juanmi and Portillo on their bench this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Real Madrid would be out of the title picture, while Atletico would lead Barcelona by three points entering their clash at the Camp Nou next week. Right, Malaga get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Can Atletico secure the La Liga title this evening? It could well occur.
Atletico have started the second period with a better intensity and Luis drives down the left before delivering towards the near post, but Weligton is on hand to clear the danger. Malaga break down the other end moments later, but Amrabat runs into traffic. Still goalless, but plenty of intensity at the Calderon.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Atletico are forcing the issue in the final third. Turan combines with Luis before attempting to find Villa, but Angeleri is across to clear the danger. Down the other end, Tiago is penalised for a late lunge on Malaga's Eliseu.
BOOKING! Eliseu is booked for Malaga for time-wasting.
Atletico have a free kick in a wide position as Angeleri brings Villa to the gound. The set piece is delivered by Koke, but Caballero is on hand to collect. First signs of frustration from Simeone as the Argentine throws his arms into the air. Still goalless with little over 35 minutes of football remaining.
Koke tries his luck from outside the box after meeting a knock-down from Garcia, but his effort is wide of the post. Just a reminder that Real Madrid are still losing to Celta and Barcelona are level with Elche.
CHANCE! Another chance for Villa as the Atletico forward collects a pass from Turan inside the box, but Caballero is across to make a fine save. Still goalless at the Calderon.
SUB! Atletico make their first change of the match as Adrian Lopez replaces Koke.
Not too much in terms of Malaga pressure in the last few minutes as Atletico continue to force the issue in the final third. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and still the score remains level. If Atletico pick up all the points and Barcelona draw with Elche then the title will be Atletico's this evening.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Malaga as Santa Cruz meets a through pass from Darder, but Courtois is out to make a brilliant save. Atletico really are playing a dangerous game at the moment.
Gabi takes matters into his own hands for Atletico following a bright run from Turan, but his effort is wide of the post as Malaga survive once more. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and we are still level.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Sosa replaces Garcia.
UPDATE: Real Madrid are now losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo. Back to this match - it is brilliant work from Sosa as the Atletico winger combines with Luis before delivering a dangerous cross into the Malaga box, but Angeleri is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Can Atletico open the scoring at the Calderon?
GOAL! Atletico 0-1 Malaga (Samuel)
Oh my word. Wow, just wow. Malaga take the lead at the Calderon as Samuel capitalises on a mistake from Alderweireld before heading into an empty net. Advantage Barcelona in La Liga!
Can you believe it? Atletico have not lost in this stadium all season, but trail Malaga with little over 20 minutes remaining. As it stands, the capital outfit are still top, but a goal for Barcelona would put them in control ahead of the clash next week. What an incredible turn of events in La Liga. Wow!
SUB! Atletico make their third and final change as Diego replaces Turan.
Another half-chance for Malaga as Samuel finds some space outside the box, but Miranda is on hand to make the block. There really is incredible tension inside the stadium at the moment as Malaga threaten from another corner. Barcelona are still level with Elche, however, which keeps Atletico top of the table.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to drawing level as Diego strikes one from the edge of the box, but Caballero is across to make a stunning save. Still more than 15 minutes of this contest remaining.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Malaga (Alderweireld)
We are all level here! Atletico level the scores 15 minutes from time as Alderweireld finds the bottom corner with a powerful header. Game on - can Atletico turn this one around in the latter stages?
SUB! Change for Malaga as Rescaldani replaces Santa Cruz.
Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as Atletico continue to press forward. Another goal for Atletico at this stage would secure the title. Barcelona are still level with Elche, while Real Madrid are losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo. What a season, what an evening in Spain!
BOOKING! Atletico midfielder Tiago is booked for a high challenge on Rescaldani.
Another half-chance for the home side as Villa forces a free kick outside the box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Gabi, but Caballero is on hand to clear. Malaga just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues. What a final 10 minutes we have on our hands in the Spanish capital.
Adrian takes matters into his own hands after finding space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Still plenty of time for Atletico to find a winner here. Real Madrid are still losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo and Barcelona are still level at Elche. However, it could all change in a matter of seconds.
BOOKING! Duda is booked for a lunge on Villa, but it was Camacho that made contact.
SUB! Another change for Malaga as Samuel is replaced by Juanmi.
Atletico continue to dominate possession in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to create clear chances. Diego threatens to find Adrian with a through pass inside the Malaga box, but the Spaniard cannot collect and the chance is gone. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in Madrid.
Another deep cross from Sosa causes problems inside the Malaga box, but Eliseu is on hand to clear under pressure from Miranda. Malaga just cannot keep the ball, however, as the pressure comes straight back.
BOOKING! Atletico skipper Gabi is booked for a late challenge on Antunes.
RED CARD! (Angeleri) Malaga are reduced to 10 men as Angeleri is handed his second yellow card for a lunge on Diego. He might have got the ball, but it was a strong and reckless tackle.
CHANCE! Sosa comes close to finding the top corner from the resulting free kick, but his effort just moves high of the crossbar. Incredible chance for the home side.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes at the Calderon and we are into the second of those. One goal for Atletico at this stage would secure the La Liga title.
SUB! Third and final change for Malaga as Amrabat is replaced by Pawlowski.
Atletico just cannot get the ball at the moment as Malaga keep the ball in the corner. Time is running out for the capital outfit, but the title is still in their own hands at the moment.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as Malaga continue to slow the play in the final moments. A goal for Atletico at this stage would secure the title as Barcelona have been held at Elche.
CHANCE! Oh my word! Incredible skill from Adrian as the Atletico forward drives into the Malaga box before curling one towards the top corner, but Caballero makes a quite stunning save.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-1 Malaga
So there we have it. Atletico fail to win the league following a 1-1 draw with Malaga. Real Madrid were beaten 2-0 at Celta Vigo, while Barcelona drew 0-0 at Elche. It will all be decided at the Camp Nou next weekend. Incredible. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
