Malaga welcomed Getafe to La Rosaleda on Sunday looking for the three points to aid their hopes of a top-four finish.
An even first period brought just the one goal with Roque Santa Cruz heading the home side into the lead five minutes before the interval.
It was 2-0 early in the second half, however, when Weligton's powerful header flashed into the back of the net.
Getafe had one back late on courtesy of Juan Valera, but they could not force the equaliser as Malaga held on for the three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries comes from Malaga as Getafe travel to La Rosaleda. The home side will be unable to compete in Europe next season regardless of their final position due to a European ban, but Getafe do indeed have their sights set on the Europa League.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Malaga have enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last five matches, losing once and drawing the other. However, as mentioned, Getafe were 1-0 winners in the reverse match earlier in the season. Recent history points to a close match this afternoon.
As mentioned, a European ban will prevent Malaga from playing in Europe next season, but they will still be keen to finish in the top four. They occupied the final Champions League place for a large part of the season, but have fallen away in recent weeks. However, three points this afternoon would move them above fifth-placed Valencia.
Malaga have been fairly solid on their own patch this season with eight wins from their 16 matches, losing just four times in the process. They have also been impressive on the road with just six defeats from their 16 matches. That said, there is no question that they have been out of form in the past couple of months.
Getafe are not in the best form themselves, with just one win from their last five matches, but they have their sights set on Europe. As it stands, they currently sit in ninth position in the table, just six points off the top six with six matches remaining. There is much to play for in the remaining few months of the season.
TEAMS:
MALAGA: Caballero; Sanchez, Demichelis, Weligton, Gamez; Morales, Eliseu, Iturra, Isco; Santa Cruz, Baptista
GETAFE: Codina; Valera, Lopo, Mane, Rafa; Leon, Castro, Rodriguez, Torres; Barrada, Alvaro
So there we have it. Interesting team selection for Malaga this afternoon with Julio Baptista leading the line alongside Roque Santa Cruz, but there is no place for Javier Saviola. Isco also starts, but Joaquin drops out of the team. Getafe, meanwhile, continue with Alvaro and Barrada in attack, but Paco Alcacer is named on the bench.
Getafe have been largely disappointing on their travels this season, with just four wins from their 16 matches, losing eight times in the process. That is in contrast to their home form, where they have managed eight wins. Three points this afternoon would certainly aid suggestions that they can finish in the top eight.
Taking a look at the numbers, Malaga’s record as the best defensive side in the league has just faded in recent weeks. The 5-1 thumping at Valencia last time out means that they have now conceded 37 goals, the fifth-best in the division. Getafe, meanwhile, have conceded 48 times. Down the other end the numbers are quite similar with Malaga scoring 45 goals to Getafe’s 39.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side has been in good form in recent weeks, but I am backing Malaga to pick up a narrow home victory.
Just a reminder of the main team news. Baptista leads the line for Malaga this afternoon, with the Brazilian gaining support from the much-coveted Isco. Meanwhile, Morales and Manuel Iturra also start. Alvaro leads the line for Getafe, with the striker one of 10 Spaniards in the starting team. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is certainly a strong atmosphere. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. Bright work from Iturra as the midfielder finds Baptista in the Getafe box, but the Brazilian is quelled by a fine challenge from Lopo.
Good spell for Getafe in the last couple of moments with Pedro Leon and Diego Castro enjoying possession outside the Malaga box, but the latter attempts to force it towards Alvaro, but Weligton is out to clear at the vital moment. Not too much to report in the opening four minutes, but there are plenty of suggestions that both sides have come here to play.
Again Alvaro is the target for the away side as the Spaniard is picked out by Leon, but Caballero is out to clear at the vital moment. Good work from Barrada finds Alvaro inside the box moments later, but his touch just takes him away from the goal. Bright period from the away side, before Baptista strokes wide down the other end.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Eliseu combines with Gamez before driving a low cross into the box, but Codina comes out to claim at the vital moment. Neither side enters this match in particularly good form, but there has been plenty of quality passing in the opening eight minutes. However, we are still awaiting the first meaningful effort on goal.
Half-chance for the away side once more as Leon collects possession outside the box before rounding two defenders and having a strike on goal, but it never had enough power to really trouble the Malaga stopper. Another attack brings a similar chance moments later, this time for Alvaro, but Weligton blocks the strike.
Getafe want a penalty as Alvaro tumbles in the box under pressure from Sanchez, but the referee is simply not interested, much to the frustration of the Spaniard. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action in the last few moments to award a number of free kicks, with Iturra picking up a yellow for a challenge on Barrada.
The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Leon, but Weligton is on hand to clear the danger. Malaga create a half-chance on the counter as Baptista finds Iturra, but his effort is straight into the arms of the waiting Codina. Better tempo from both sides, but the score remains goalless with 14 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Morales to make an impact this time as the Malaga midfielder meets a bouncing all outside the box, but his effort is straight at Codina, who attempts to find Torres on the counter. Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment with each guilty of poor passing in the final third.
CHANCE! Again it's good work from Castro as the Spaniard creates some space on the edge of the box before finding Barrada, the striker thumps an effort towards goal, but Caballero is down to make the save. The end-to-end period continues as Santa Cruz collects down the other end, but he fires high and wide of the target.
It isn't really happening for Malaga at the moment as another attack breaks down with Santa Cruz simply unable to find the run of Morales behind the Getafe defence. Baptista is next to try his luck from distance, but again his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. That has been the story of the opening 21 minutes in Malaga.
You attack, we attack, you attack, we attack. That has been the story of the match thus far. However, it cannot be said that either goalkeeper has been particularly worried with most of the efforts coming from outside the box. In keeping with flow, Barrada again strikes an effort from outside the box, but it smashes into the side netting.
Again Alvaro is involved for the away side as he darts past two defenders before attempting to slide a low pass towards Barrada, but Demichelis is across to clear at the vital moment. Eventually the elusive pass is found, but the linesman raises his flag. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. Barrada and Alvaro remain a threat for Getafe, but Malaga are just struggling to find Santa Cruz in the box. Eliseu does run behind Valera moments later, but the defender gets back to clear.
Handbags between the two sets of players following a clash in the penalty area, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Getafe attempt to break moments later, but Alvaro simply cannot outrun three defenders. It is all very frantic, with neither side demonstrating too much quality on the ball. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Malaga have the ball in the back of the net as Santa Cruz squares to Isco, who taps home from close range, but the linesman had his flag raised. However, replays have shown that the striker was indeed in an offside position. Getafe launch an attack of their own moments later, but Torres's effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Slightly scrappy period of the match once more as the referee is forced to deal with a number of challenges. The latest foul allows Isco the chance to whip a free kick into the box, it falls to Morales, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Better from the home side, but we still await the first goal with 35 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Castro meets a cross from Leon, but his header is straight into the arms of Caballero when he should have done better. Gamez appears to have a problem, meanwhile, as he falls to the floor. It does not appear that the Spaniard will be able to continue.
The change is indeed made as Camacho enters the field in place of Gamez. That does not stop the flow of Getafe pressure as Valera delivers a cross to the near post, but Caballero turns behind. Back-to-back corners follow, but the first is headed over by Weligton before Caballero claims the second.
Malaga are really struggling at the moment as Getafe continue to force the issue, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Despite being at home, Malaga are playing like an away side at the moment, with the majority of their play coming on the counter. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Malaga 1-0 Getafe (Santa Cruz)
First blood to Malaga! The home side take the lead in the latter stages of the half as Santa Cruz heads a Sanchez cross into the back of the net. Wonderful technique from the powerful striker. However, it is certainly against the run of play.
Getafe attempt to respond almost immediately as Barrada whips a dangerous free kick into the box, but Weligton is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Another corner follows, but again the danger is cleared. Getafe will be wondering how on earth they are behind at this stage of the match.
Good pressure from Malaga in the last couple of moments with Baptista and Isco both going close with efforts outside the box, but neither has really worried Codina. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Malaga 1-0 Getafe
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Malaga leading courtesy of a header from Santa Cruz five minutes before the interval. In truth, Getafe will be wondering how on earth they are behind having enjoyed the better of the chances. But that is football at the highest level, you have to take your opportunities.
STATISTICS: Malaga have had 53% of the possession in the first period, while they have had five attempts to Getafe's two. However, there is no question that the away side have enjoyed the better attacking pressure. Plenty of suggestions that we will have more goals in the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Duda, Joaquin and Sebastian Fernandez. However, they have already been forced into one change with Gamez replaced by Camacho. Meanwhile, Getafe have the likes of Paco Alcacer, Angel Lafita and Pablo Sarabia in reserve.
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 not too surprising at this stage of the match. As it stands, Malaga would move into fifth, while Getafe would remain ninth. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Scrappy start to the second period from the away side as Juan Rodriguez pulls down Baptista outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Isco, but Weligton's header is pushed over the crossbar by Codina.
GOAL! Malaga 2-0 Getafe (Weligton)
No mistake this time! The resulting corner is met by Weligton, who thumps his header into the back of the net. That is a major blow to Getafe's hopes of taking something from this match. Bright start from Malaga.
Getafe attempt to respond as Barrada collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. A free kick from just outside the box is whipped in by Alvaro moments later, but again Malaga clear the danger with relative ease.
Malaga force the issue this time as Baptista drives into the penalty area before finding Eliseu down the right, the Portuguese fires a low cross towards Santa Cruz, but Lopo is on hand to make the block at the vital moment. It is so important that Getafe remain in the match in the early stages of the half.
Again it's good pressure from the home side as Isco strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. In keeping with the end-to-end tempo of the match, Barrada finds Alvaro in the Malaga box, but once more the Spaniard cannot find space under contact from Weligton. The next goal could be decisive at this stage of the match.
Mane is next to try his luck from distance as he strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Hardly time to draw breath here as Baptista bumps Lopo off the ball before thumping an effort towards goal, but again it moves wide of the post. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining.
All Malaga's confidence has returned from the early stages of the season as they continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area. Again Isco is involved as he dances down the right before finding Santa Cruz, but this time Rafa is across to quell the danger. A corner follows, but Codina comes through traffic to clear under pressure from Iturra.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity on the counter for Getafe as Leon finds himself in all sorts of room in the Malaga box, but his shot is neither here or there as he chips it straight into the arms of Caballero. They simply need to take those opportunities if they are to have a chance of taking something from this match.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides coming close to adding to the score. Santa Cruz could and perhaps should have had his second as he beats Codina to the ball before striking an effort towards goal, but Lopo makes the block. Diego Castro tests Caballero down the other end, but the Argentine makes the save.
Change for the away side as Lafita replaces Alvaro. The substitute almost makes an immediate impact as he finds Barrada in the Malaga box, but once more the attacker just cannot sort out his feet in time. A goal for the away side at this stage of the match would certainly make things interesting. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Second change for the away side as Sarabia replaces Barrada, who has just faded in the last five minutes or so. Another free kick comes into the Malaga box from Leon, but again the danger is cleared. Malaga simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment, but they have the lead. Wonderful excitement in La Liga.
First real involvement for Sarabia as the attacker beats two Malaga defenders before delivering a low cross into the box, but once more a red shirt just cannot make contact. Malaga remain a threat on the counter with the likes of Eliseu and Isco, but Santa Cruz has faded. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Getafe remain the side in the ascendancy. In fairness, they have been in charge for large parts of this match, but Malaga have taken their chances. You just get the feeling that we will have some sort of late drama in Malaga.
GOAL! Malaga 2-1 Getafe (Valera)
Getafe have their goal! Well, that has certainly made it interesting for the final 20 minutes or so. You cannot say that it has not been coming. It's scrappy as a long free kick is played into the box, it falls for Valera, who smashes home from close range.
Malaga make their first change of the match, meanwhile, as Morales is replaced by Duda, who will just provide some experience in the latter stages. Plenty of suggestions that we will have late drama in this match as Getafe continue to commit players to each attack.
Half-chance for the home side to put this one to bed as Demichelis bends a wicked cross into the box, it falls for Baptista, but the Brazilian can only fire wide of the post from close range. Hardly time to take a breath as we approach the final 15 minutes of the match.
You cannot take your eyes off this one as Sarabia meets a strike from Torres, but he just cannot direct it towards the goal. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the game, Eliseu has a strike from distance moments later, but it flashes wide of the post.
Half-chance for the away side as Leon strikes an effort from outside the box, but Caballero gets down well to make the save. The resulting corner causes all sorts of problems in the box, but Caballero does manage to gather under pressure from Rafa. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in this one.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the middle of midfield. Malaga want the final whistle to come, but Getafe still think that there is something in this. Sarabia does try his luck from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Decent pressure from Getafe once more as they force two corners in quick succession, but neither comes close to levelling the score. Malaga make another change as Joaquin comes on to replace Santa Cruz, who has just faded in the second period. Can Malaga hold on here?
Time is just starting to run out for the away side as Malaga enjoy a period of possession. Baptista attempts to add their third as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. You just get the feeling that we will have some late drama here as the pressure comes straight back from Getafe.
Getafe continue to force high balls into the box, but Malaga continue to resist the danger. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the first of those as Baptista fires wide from close range.
Malaga have the ball in the Getafe half we approach the very latter stages. Getafe do manage to gather before firing a high ball into the box, but Caballero is out to claim the danger. If an equaliser is to come, then it simply has to be now.
FULL-TIME: Malaga 2-1 Getafe
So there we have it. Malaga repel the late pressure to hold onto all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Valladolid against Sevilla. Until then!
So there we have it. Malaga repel the late pressure to hold onto all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Valladolid against Sevilla. Until then!
