Tuesday evening's Champions League Group A clash in Sweden pitted Malmo against Atletico Madrid.
The visitors led 1-0 at the break following a close-range finish from Spaniard Koke.
Malmo had a number of chances in the second 45 minutes, but could not find the back of the net and it was Atletico that secured the points late on courtesy of Raul Garcia.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League coverage continues from Sweden as Malmo welcome last season's finalists Atletico Madrid on matchday four in Group A. Right, before we get down to the facts and figures, let me bring you up to speed with the team news, which was recently released.
TEAMS
MALMO: Olsen; Tinnerholm, Helander, Ricardinho, Johansson; Forsberg, Halsti, Adu, Eriksson; Rosenberg, Thelin
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Suarez, Koke, Gabi; Garcia, Mandzukic, Turan
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Malmo side this evening truth be told, with skipper Marcus Rosenberg once more paired in attack with Isaac Thelin. There is also a start for holding midfielder Markus Halsti, while Enoch Kofi Adu and Magnus Eriksson are also included in the XI.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, has brought Mario Suarez and Raul Garcia into his side tonight. The back five is as expected, while Mario Mandzukic will receive support from Turkish international Arda Turan. Antoine Griezmann's reward for two goals at the weekend is a place on the bench.
The two sides met two weeks ago at the Vicente Calderon and it was Atletico that came through 5-0 winners on their own patch. The score was actually goalless at the interval, but the Spanish champions blew their opponents away in the second period to make it back-to-back wins in Group A.
While Atletico reached the final of last season's Champions League, Malmo are one of the most inexperienced sides in the competition. They fell in the third qualifying round in both 2011 and 2013, but managed to negotiate their way to the group stages of the tournament this season.
Malmo's challenge started back in July, when they beat Ventspils, before wins over Sparta Praha and Salzburg secured their spot in the group stages of the competition. The Swedish side have work to do, however, if they are to qualify from a group that also contains Juventus and Olympiacos.
Malmo, however, have won their last three European home fixtures, including a 2-0 win over Olympiacos on matchday two. That victory over the Greek outfit has been their only success in Group A, however, with three points from three games leaving them bottom of the section as it stands.
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While they are the outsiders, victory for Malmo this evening would move them onto six points, level with Atletico. They are Sweden's first group-stage representatives since Helsingborgs in the 2000-01 campaign and it would be fair to say that they have the support of their whole country.
Malmo have also already won their domestic title, with that success secured with three rounds to spare. They are the first team since 2003 to successfully defend the Swedish title, while they have scored in all 15 of their home league games in 2014, which will hand them confidence for this match.
That said, Malmo ended their Swedish league season in disappointing fashion at the weekend, however, with a 2-1 defeat at Atvidabergs. They have actually lost three of their last four games in all competitions, but with the league done and dusted, they can fully concentrate on European matters.
Atletico, meanwhile, have their sights set on another Champions League final this season. The Spanish side were beaten at Olympiacos on matchday one, but have since responded with vital home wins over Juventus and Malmo to move onto six points and as it stands, top of the section.
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As mentioned, Atletico lost away to Olympiacos in their first match of this season's competition, but last term, the Spanish side were unbeaten in all six of their away matches in the Champions League. That run of results included wins against the likes of Porto, AC Milan and Chelsea.
Atletico lost a number of key players in the summer and it had been questioned whether they could maintain the same level of performance this term. Well, they are on course to qualify for the next round of the Champions League and firmly in the La Liga title race with 10 matches played.
At this stage of the season one year ago, Atletico had just 19 points from 10 league matches, which is four less than they boast this term. That total has left them in third position in the table, one point behind the leaders Real Madrid, who they beat at the Bernabeu earlier in the season.
Incredibly, there are just two points separating fifth and first position in La Liga, with Valencia and Sevilla keeping pace with the Madrid duo and Barcelona, who have lost their last two games in the league. It is another big challenge for Atletico, but they certainly seem up for the task once more.
Diego Simeone's side will also enter this match full of confidence following a 4-2 win over Cordoba in the league at the weekend. They lost 3-1 at Valencia before the international break, but have since responded with four successive wins, conceding just twice in the process. Can they make it five tonight?
According to uefa.com, around 400 Atletico supporters have made the trip to Sweden this evening. The atmosphere inside the stadium is really building with kickoff fast approaching...
PREDICTION! One thing is for certain, this will not be another 5-0 win for Atletico. Malmo are strong on their own patch and will provide a much tougher task this evening. That said, I am still leaning towards a narrow win for the away side. My score prediction is 2-1 Atletico in Sweden.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just stunning. Let's hope the football matches it!
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes underway in Sweden. Can Malmo shock the Spanish champions?
All-action start in the middle of the pitch, with neither side shirking ant challenges! As expected, Malmo are keen to force the issue in the early exchanges, but Atletico will sit in and play their own game. It promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between the champions of Sweden and Spain.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early moments, but Atletico have been the team forcing the issue. Malmo continue to make life difficult in the middle of the park, meanwhile, with the referee forced into a couple of early decisions. The first goal will be vital in this type of match.
Atletico win a couple of free kicks in quick succession as Eriksson and Adu both dive into late challenges. The latest hands a half-chance to the visitors, but Olsen denies a goal-bound header from Helander. A corner follows, but Koke has an effort blocked outside the box. Good pressure from the visitors.
Koke's latest corner threatens to curl past Olsen, but the Malmo stopper makes the save under his own crossbar. The pressure is increasing from Atletico, but the home side have started to threaten on the counter, with their moment in the final third causing problems. Still goalless after eight minutes.
Halsti is the latest Malmo player to commit a foul outside the box, with the number six bringing Garcia to the ground. The resulting free kick is taken by Koke, but the danger is cleared by Tinnerholm.
BOOKING! Atletico captain Gabi is booked for a late challenge on Forsberg, who had dribbled into the Atletico half. A few yards further and that could have been red!
The home side have started to cause problems in the last few minutes, with their pace on the counter certainly worrying the Atletico defence. Both teams have had plenty of set pieces in the opening 11 minutes, but neither has been able to provide that piece of quality. It is a very open affair in Sweden.
Half-chance for the home side as Halsti finds some space outside the box before striking on goal, but his effort is straight at Moya, who is fairly comfortable in making the save to his left.
Mandzukic seemingly has a golden chance after meeting a cross from Juanfran, but the Croatian was in an offside position. Lucky too, because he headed over from a good position. Chances at either end with 15 minutes on the clock, but still goalless in Sweden. The early signs are strong here.
The referee has been called into action on a number of occasions in the last couple of minutes, with Godin and Koke both guilty of late challenges. Malmo's latest free kick is delivered by Eriksson, but the away side manage to clear for a throw. Adu strikes one moments later, but Turan makes a fine block.
Cross after cross continues to arrive into the away side's box, but Malmo are venerable to the counter when the move breaks down. Atletico are down the other end with Turan moments later, but the attacker cannot control a fizzed cross from Juanfran. End-to-end football with 20 minutes on the clock.
This might be a little more open than Simeone would have liked, but it has been fascinating for the neutral. Malmo continue to threaten in wide areas, but the latest cross from Eriksson brings a free kick for Atletico as Thelin jumps into Miranda, who was first to the ball. Still goalless in Sweden.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to take the lead as Garcia meets a pass from Koke inside the box, but his point-blank effort is straight at Olsen. Brilliant goalkeeping from Olsen there. That is easily the best opportunity that either side has created in the opening 24 minutes.
The untidiness in the middle of the park continues, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. However, there has still been just one yellow card in this European affair.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rosenberg finds some space outside the box, but his effort is blocked by Godin. Atletico attempt to counter, but Helander brings Mandzukic to the ground. Plenty of challenges from both sides, must of which have been late it must be said!
In Group A's other match, Juventus are currently being held 1-1 by Olympiacos. This group really is shaping up to be something special. It is so open! Atletico cannot really afford to drop points here.
Garcia has a half-chance for the away side after meeting a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Malmo's threat continues to arrive from wide positions, but Godin and Miranda have been their usual dominant selves in the air.
GOAL! Malmo 0-1 Atletico (Koke)
Atletico have the lead with 31 minutes on the clock as Juanfran races down the right before driving a low cross into Koke, who cannot miss from close range. First blood to the visitors here!
Atletico threaten once more as a deep cross from Juanfran falls for Garcia inside the box, but the Spaniard is penalised for a late challenge on the Malmo goalkeeper. The home side just need to settle in the final stages of the half. Another goal for Atletico would make their task extremely difficult it must be said.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Atletico lead courtesy of that close-rantge finish from Koke. The home side have done their best to respond in the last couple of minutes, but they are finding it difficult to keep the ball in the Atletico half. They cannot concede a second here.
Malmo want a penalty as Thelin goes down in the Atletico box under pressure from Godin, but the referee is not interested. It is a good spell for the home side, however, with the pace of Thelin causing problems. The crowd are staying with their team, which is vitally important at this stage of the match.
Half-chance for the home side as Thelin meets a deep cross from Eriksson, but his powerful header was always dropping wide of the post. Really good spell for Malmo as they continue to force the issue.
Rosenberg again tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. The Malmo skipper has not been shy in shooting from distance this evening it must be said.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the first period, but both sides are still committing numbers in the final third. It has been a very entertaining clash thus far.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Rosenberg finds space down the right before delivering into the path of Forsberg, who is unmarked inside the box, but the midfielder's touch lets him down and the danger is cleared. What a chance for Malmo to equalise!
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes.
Another half-chance for Malmo, but Thelin's dipping effort is straight into the arms of Moya.
HALF-TIME: Malmo 0-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range finish from Koke. Malmo have had plenty of the match, however, with the home side causing the Spanish champions a host of problems. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable match thus far.
STATS! The two sides shared the possession in the first period, but it was Malmo that had the most shots (eight) but just two were on target. Atletico, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their five attempts. There has also been just one booking (Gabi) despite a host of late challenges.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Konate, Kroon and Thern among those in reserve. Atletico, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Griezmann, Cerci and Rodriguez. Both managers have quality in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Malmo turn this one around? They perhaps don't deserve to be behind. The hosts get the second period underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers could make alterations if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so.
End-to-end start to the second period, with both sides forcing the issue in the final third. Mandzukic chases a through pass from Koke, but Helander is across to make the clearance. The home side are down the other end with Forsberg moments later, but his effort from outside the box is straight at Moya.
It is sensational defending from Godin as the Atletico centre-back comes across to challenge Eriksson following a swift counter from the home side. Thelin in particular has been very good for the Swedish team this evening, with his pace and power causing problems to the Atletico back four.
OFF THE LINE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Tinnherholm meets a cross from the left, but his goal-bound volley is cleared off the line by Godin. Sensational defending once more.
BOOKING! Miranda picks up a yellow card for Atletico as the defender fouls Thelin just outside the box. Wonderful chance for the home side here...
BOOKING! Godin is also booked for dissent!
... POST! Oh my word! Rosenberg's first attempt at the free kick hits the wall, but the ball bounces back to him and he lashes it against the post. How on earth are the home side not level?!
BOOKING! Juanfran now goes into the book for Atletico for an altercation with Rosenberg. What is happening here! This one could boil over at any moment it must be said.
Well, some start to the second period! The home side have been brilliant since the break and should really be level, but Atletico, as they so often do, have managed to ride out the early pressure.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Juanfran delivers a wonderful cross towards the far post, but Halsti just does enough to clear the danger. The resulting corner from Koke is delivered towards the near post, but the danger is cleared. Little over 30 minutes of this fascinating clash remaining.
CHANCE! A terrible mistake from Siqueira puts Atletico in trouble as the left-back tries to chest back to his own goalkeeper, Tinnerholm nips in, but Moya manages to smother.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee once again called into action. However, Clattenburg does not issue any more cards. We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will just be considering making changes. Both have plenty of options.
Johansson appears to have a problem for Malmo here as the defender hits the deck and stays there...
The defender will seemingly leave the field on a stretcher, with a change due to be made.
SUB! The change is indeed made as Kroon replaces Johansson.
Atletico have just turned the tables in the last couple of moments, with Gabi and Koke in control in the middle of the park. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. In truth, the home side deserve to be level at this stage of the match. Atletico have had to ride their luck.
Some match over in Turin by the way, with Juventus now leading Olympiacos 3-2 after falling behind on their own patch. Atletico, meanwhile, continue to force the issue in Sweden as the half advances.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with Malmo struggling to match the tempo that they produced early in the second period. Kroon has a half-chance for the home side after meeting a cross from the right, but his effort is straight into the arms of the waiting Moya.
SUB! Atletico make their first change as Griezmann replaces Mandzukic.
The home side appeared to have found a second wind in the last couple of moments, with Eriksson and Forsberg both providing legs in wide areas. Malmo deserve a goal here that is for certain.
Little over 15 minutes remaining and this match is so delicately poised. A point would not flatter the home side, who have another chance when Kroon plays in Rosenberg, but the striker cannot move away from the challenge of Miranda. The pressure will continue, however, from a corner...
Atletico just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the pressure from the home side continues. However, Atletico are used to this - they did it enough times last season. They are so strong in defensive areas. The pressure continues to arrive from wide areas, but Godin has been sensational tonight.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Rodriguez replaces Turan.
GOAL! Malmo 0-2 Atletico (Garcia)
The away side have their second of the match as Garcia fires a low Juanfran cross into the back of the net. Brilliant from the full-back once more and Atletico have their second in Sweden.
This match is so very Atletico! They are so good at the back that they can afford to drop deep and soak up the pressure, before breaking down the other end. Unfortunately, that is now game over for Malmo.
Opportunity for the home side to threaten from a free kick as Gabi brings Thelin to the ground. The resulting set piece is taken by Eriksson, but his powerful effort is straight into the middle of the wall.
BOOKING! Halsti goes into the book for the home side after a late challenge on Garcia. The resulting free kick is delivered by Griezmann, but Helander is on hand to make the clearance.
Atletico have the ball in the Malmo half with little over five minutes remaining here.
Another half-chance for the away side as Juanfran drives down the right before delivering a low cross towards Griezmann, but Halsti is on hand to make the block. A third would be harsh on Malmo.
SUB! Malmo make their second change as Thern replaces Forsberg.
The home side are not giving up here as they continue to force the issue in the final third, but it appears that they have just run out of legs at the vital moment. Little over one minute remaining here.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes here.
BOOKING! Eriksson goes into the book for a late challenge on Garcia.
End-to-end football in the latter stages, with the home side intent on getting the goal that they richly deserve. However, the away side have just been so strong at the back - as always.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Rodriguez has the ball in the back of the net for the visitors, but the attacker is ruled offside. It was indeed the correct decision.
FULL-TIME: Malmo 0-2 Atletico
So there we have it. Atletico go three points clear at the top of Group A with a 2-0 win over Malmo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
