Malaga welcomed Granada to the Estadio La Rosaleda on Saturday looking for the three points that would have moved them back into the top four in La Liga.
They found themselves ahead after 26 minutes when Joaquin converted from close range, while Javier Saviola made it two just past the 30-minute mark in the match.
Granada did have chances in the second period, but the points were secure when Ignacio Camacho and Roque Santa Cruz both scored in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action.
Afternoon all! Our La Liga commentary for the weekend is well and truly underway with Malaga hosting Granada at the Estadio La Rosaleda. Both sides are in need of the three points, but for very different reasons.
Teams:
Malaga: Caballero; Demichelis, Nacho, Weligton, Gamez; Joaquin, Camacho, Eliseu, Isco; Portillo, Saviola
Granada: Tono; Diakhate, Siqueira, Mainez, Santos; Ortiz, Brahimi, Benitez, Rico; Torje, Ighalo
Malaga's form has tailed off somewhat in the past few weeks with just one win from their last five matches in all competitions. But their positive early-season form has left them fifth spot in the table with 22 points. Meanwhile, they have also booked their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
They began their league season with victory over Celta Vigo, while their European form also impressed as they remained unbeaten in their first three in the Champions League. In fact, they did not suffer their first defeat in any competition until early October when they were beaten by Atletico Madrid.
They recovered from that loss to remain unbeaten until early November. But their form since then has taken a turn for the worse. They have incredibly won just one of their last nine matches in all competitions. January looks tough on paper with games against Barcelona and Real Madrid and therefore they will be keen to enter the winter break in the top four.
Granada, meanwhile, remain in the bottom three despite drawing with Espanyol last weekend. However, victory this evening would see them move out and away from the drop zone. They struggled in the early stages of the season and did not pick up a win until beating Celta Vigo at the end of September.
They followed up with another three points against Mallorca, but then lost their next four in all competitions as they continued to wobble. A run of two wins in their last five matches has seen them gain confidence, but they will be keen to enter the winter break ahead of the drop zone.
The recent meetings between the two sides have been fairly even with two wins apiece in the last four matches. If this fixture was played towards the beginning of the season then you could only really see one winner. But Malaga really have been off-colour in recent weeks and this could be the best chance for Granada to secure a result.
There have been slight murmurings that Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini could leave the club for AC Milan should he be approached by the Italian club. However, he recently told Sky Sports Italia: “I want to do well at Malaga. I want to get back up the Liga table. As well as playing in the Champions League next season too we have to do well domestically. Of course, we hope to do our best in this European journey."
Here we go then. Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. Passionate crowd? Check. Let's get this La Liga encounter underway on this mild evening in Spain. Just a reminder that we have action from Real Valladolid versus Real Madrid following the completion of this match.
Malaga get the action underway at the La Rosaleda. Both sides have named strong lineups for the clash and you just get the feeling that the opening goal - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on the overall result. The home fans are certainly in good voice as the action begins.
Fairly low-key start to the match with both sides exchanging possession in midfield. Eliseu attempts to force the issue with a long pass towards Isco, but Mainz comes across to clear the danger. The ball has spent most of its time in the air than on the deck thus far.
First real sighter of the match comes to the home side as Isco picks up possession on the edge of the area before firing a low cross towards Saviola, but Tono is alert to the danger and comes to collect. Dani Benitez makes decent progress down the left for Granada moments later, but his cross is cleared for a corner.
Malaga have just started to take control of the possession in the past few moments with Camacho and Isco enjoying touches in the middle of midfield. Meanwhile, the movement of Saviola is causing the Granada defence problems. That said we are still waiting for the first real chance of the evening.
Just a reminder that a Malaga victory this evening would move them back into fourth spot in the table. Meanwhile, three points for Granada would move them out of the bottom three. There is much at stake. The early threat from Granada is coming on the break through Iriney and Torje, but Malaga are enjoying more of the ball.
Slight concern for Malaga as Mikel Rico whips a dangerous corner into the penalty area, but Monreal manages to rise highest to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that set pieces could be Granada's best avenue to goal this evening. Little over 10 minutes of football played and it has been a solid start from both sides rather than a spectacular one.
It's really good feet from Joaquin as the Spanish winger picks up possession on the right before embarking on a mazy run into the Granada box, but he is just dispossessed at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. We have not seen much from Granada's loan striker Ighalo in the opening stages of the match.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match thus far falls to the away side as Diakhate meets a corner from Iriney, but the defender's header is pushed over the crossbar by Willy Caballero. That is some save from the goalkeeper. What a chance to open the scoring.
Granada have certainly started to offer an attacking threat in the past few moments as they continue to force corner after corner. Meanwhile, the biggest noise of the evening thus far erupts as Isco tumbles in the Granada penalty area, but the youngster is handed a yellow card for simulation.
There really does seem to be an issue with diving in the modern game. Not just in Spain, but in Europe as a whole. Referees brunt the criticism for wrong decisions but the players are certainly not helping. Meanwhile, Malaga's attacking threat has just dampened in the last few minutes.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment with Granada forcing another half-chance as Ighalo pounces on a loose cross from Benitez, but the striker can only fire wide. Suddenly the home supporters have lost their voices and you can sense the nervousness in the players. They just need to ride this little spell out unscathed.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes. Malaga have managed to gain a foothold in the match following a difficult spell. But they are struggling to find Saviola and Portillo in advanced areas. Meanwhile, Granada's defence is beig marshalled by Siqueira.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Eliseu strikes an effort from distance, but it was never really troubling Tono. Meanwhile, a couple of fouls from either side have just broken up the tempo that had started to build up once more. Still 0-0 with 25 minutes on the clock.
End-to-end football at the moment as Torje comes close with a searching cross into the Malaga penalty area. Meanwhile, Isco is denied in the penalty area down the other end. It does appear that the first goal could be on its way.
GOAL! Malaga 1-0 Granada (Joaquin)
What was I saying? The first goal could be on its way? Well it has indeed arrived as Joaquin collects a pass from Portillo before coolly slotting past the onrushing goalkeeper. Terrific finish from the Spaniard.
It is harsh on Granada who have threatened in the opening stages of the match, but that is football at the highest level. And that is why they are in the position they are. But the signs are that they can respond with the pace of Ighalo and Torje causing the home side problems.
Malaga continue to go in search of their second goal as they commit players to each attack, but they are leaving themselves open in defence. Ighalo spots a gap and fires an effort from long range, but once more Caballero is on hand to collect the danger. The temperature is rising as the 30-minute mark is surpassed.
CHANCE! Malaga come within a whisker of adding their second of the match as Jesus Gamez thumps an effort from outside the penalty area, but it smashes against the crossbar. That is some effort from the defender. Granada really need to settle in the next five or so minutes.
Another half-chance comes the way of Granada as Benitez strikes a free kick some 30 yards from goal, but once more is it is straight at the goalkeeper. The quality simply has to be better than that. Another Malaga goal before the break could put this one beyond them.
GOAL! Malaga 2-0 Granada (Saviola)
And just like that it is 2-0. This time it's Saviola who collects the ball in the penalty area before turning inside and striking his effort past Tono. There was a danger that could happen and it has. Granada, as it stands, are heading for a bit of a hiding.
This is the Malaga from the early stages of the season. You cannot say that they have been wonderful in this opening 35 minutes of football, but they have been clinical. In terms of normal play it has been close, but goals change games. Sorry about the cliché.
Another half-chance for the away side as Benitez fires a free kick into the penalty box, but Weligton rises highest to clear the danger. In fairness to Granada they are attempting to respond as they commit numbers forward, but you do fear for them at the other end.
Slightly scrappy period to the match at the moment with both sides exchanging spells of possession in the middle of midfield. The home supporters are making their voices known once more and it is making such a difference to the performance of Malaga. It is a great place to play when things are going well.
Granada continue to look for the run of Ighalo behind the Malaga defence, but there is simply no room for him to operate with the home side holding such a deep line. He desperately needs the likes of Torje and Benitez to operate closer to him.
CHANCE! Golden opportunity for Malaga to add their third of the match as Eliseu chips a teasing cross into the penalty area, but Mainz just beats Saviola to the ball and the danger is cleared for a corner. The resulting set piece is fired in by Isco, but it fails to beat the first man.
Granada have the ball in the back of the net on the stroke of the interval as Iriney convers from close range, but the whistle had already gone for a foul on the goalkeeper. That would certainly have changed things for the second period.
Another half-chance for Granada deep in the opening half as Torje strikes an effort from inside the box, but Caballero is on hand to make the save. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates an additional one minute at the end of the half.
Malaga 2-0 Granada
So there we have it. Malaga enter the break 2-0 ahead courtesy of goals from Joaquin and Saviola in an exciting opening half of football at the Estadio La Rosaleda.
In truth, there has not been a great deal between the teams in terms of normal play. But Malaga have been very clinical in front of goal. Just a reminder that as it stands the home side would move back into fourth position in the table, while Granada would remain in the bottom three.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Malaga have edged the possession with 57%, but they have managed just five attempts to 10 for Granada. That is an incredible statistic for a side away from home and in the bottom three.
Meanwhile, a full-time to bring you from earlier: Real Sociedad 1-1 Getafe: The away side thought they had done enough to secure the points when Angel Lafita handed them the lead after 87 minutes, but a late strike from Carlos Martinez secured a point.
What about the second period of this one? I would not be surprised to see Youssef El Arabi introduced for Granada with Ighalo ever so isolated in attack. Meanwhile, Malaga are sitting pretty and look capable of scoring more goals with their finishing quality thus far. Remain with us for the second period which is just moments away.
Here we go then. Granada get us underway in the second period. Couple of changes at the break. Malaga introduce Manuel Iturra in place of Monreal. Meanwhile, Granada replace Dani Benitez with Jaime Romero.
Early sighter for Granada as Iriney whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Ighalo cannot make contact and it goes behind for a goal kick. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match could have a huge say on the overall result. If Malaga score then surely it is game over.
Slightly scrappy period to the match at the moment with both sides giving away free kicks in the opposing half. It is almost as if Granada have been sent out to upset the home team and it does appear to be working. But still the final ball continues to elude them in attacking areas.
Half-chance for Malaga as Isco combines with Saviola on the edge of the penalty area before striking towards goal, but his effort just moves past the post. It really has been a bright opening to this second period. Excitement all round, but the Malaga fans will certainly be the happier.
It just isn't quite happening for Granada in an attacking sense at the moment. Ortiz and Rico continue to cause problems with their movement in attacking areas, but the final pass continues to elude them. But Malaga are dropping deeper and deeper and it is inviting the pressure.
It's smart work from Joaquin as the Spanish winger beats the challenge of two Granada defenders before driving to the goal-line, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment and it goes behind for a goal kick. The score remains 2-0 as we approach the hour mark in the match.
Aside from a couple of attacking runs, Malaga have not really offered anything in a forward sense since the first half. This time it is Eliseu who beats two defenders before slipping a pass towards Portillo, but it is too long and Tono restarts the play. Not a great deal from either side at the moment.
Half-chance comes the way of Granada as Torje strikes an effort from outside the box, but it drifts harmlessly over the crossbar and Caballero restarts the play. Malaga advance down the other end and come close as Isco finds Saviola in the box, but he can only head over from close range.
It's really good work from Rico as he finds the run of Torje with a searching pass, but Weligton just comes across to clear the danger for a corner. Meanwhile, the resulting set piece is headed clear by Camacho.
Malaga make their second change of the match as Saviola is replaced by Roque Santa Cruz. The on-loan Manchester City striker has scored a couple of goals in recent weeks and will look to add to his tally in the remaining 25 minutes or so. But the match is ever so bitty at the moment.
Half-chance falls to the home side once more as Joaquin strikes a bouncing ball from outside the penalty area, but it was always moving wide of the target. Both teams are lacking width at the moment and it is forcing the traffic into the middle of the pitch. You could throw a sheet over them.
Granada make their second change as El-Arabi replaces Brahimi. The striker has little over 20 minutes to help his side get back into the match. You just get the feeling that the scoring is not finished here. The game is far too open for that to be the case.
CHANCE! Oh my word. Glorious double chance for Granada as Iriney puts a dangerous cross into the penalty area towards Ighalo. The striker has the first bite at it, before Torje strikes from close range. However, Caballero saves on both occasions. That is top top goalkeeping.
Granada continue to pass and probe outside the Malaga penalty area, but they just cannot find that elusive final ball. A half-chance eventually comes as the ball falls at the feet of Riko, but his effort is wide of the target. Little under 20 minutes remaining.
The chances are suddenly starting to come for both sides as Joaquin advances down the other end before firing at Tono. Meanwhile, Iriney tests Caballero down moments later. They are not what I would call clear chances, however. There has not been a great deal in this second period.
Malaga make their final change of the match as Diego Buonanotte replaces Isco, who has found it tough this evening. They have played all their cards this evening, but Granada still have the one change remaining. Is there a late comeback on the cards here?
GOAL! Malaga 3-0 Granada (Camacho)
The home side put the match well and truly beyond Granada as Camacho meets a Joaquin corner and heads straight past the onrushing Tono. That has ended any hope of a late comeback from the away side.
Malaga really have been so clinical this evening. Granada have been in this match for large periods, but while they have been unable to find the back of the net, the home side have had no such trouble. It could get worse in the remaining 13 or so minutes.
CHANCE! The home side come close to adding their fourth as a high ball into the Granada box causes all sorts of problems, but Santa Cruz cannot convert from close range. Meanwhile, the away side are preparing their final change of the evening.
Granada do indeed make the change as Ighalo is replaced by Fabian Orellana. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining and Malaga lead 3-0. In fairess to Granada they are attempting to add a consolation goal, but maybe they just need to shut up shop.
CHANCE! Another opportunity falls to the home side as Santa Cruz advances into the Granada box, but his effort smashes into the side netting. You get the feeling that there will be chances to add to the scoring in the remaining stages. Granada are so incredibly open in defence.
Another half-chance comes the way of the home side as Weligton meets a corner from Joaquin, but the defender cannot find a way past Tono and the danger is cleared. It really is relentless pressure from Malaga at the moment with Granada struggling to clear their lines.
GOAL! Malaga 4-0 Granada (Santa Cruz)
It had been coming. Malaga make it four on the night as Santa Cruz collects a pass from Portillo before finishing into the corner of the net. The Manchester City striker has certainly been among the goals in recent weeks.
What a horrible evening for Granada. They started the match full of purpose and intent, but poor finishing cost them and they collapsed after the second goal went in. They will remain in the bottom three come the end of play, while Malaga will move above Real Betis into fourth.
Not a great deal happening in the final stages of the match with Malaga controlling possession and the tempo of the game. They really needed a result like this following such a poor run of form. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match. Granada are crying out for the final whistle as they continue to struggle to get out of their own half.
Another half-chance in the remaining moments of the match as Eliseu finds Joaquin in the penalty area, but the winger can only fire wide of the target from close range. Meanwhile, Joaquin fires a free kick wide moments later.
Malaga 4-0 Granada
So there we have it. A comprehensive home win moves Malaga into fourth spot in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for Real Valladolid versus Real Madrid. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
