Málaga 3-2 Getafe: Pellegrini’s men go top thanks to stunning Baptista strike
La Liga Week 7 Saturday October 1, 2011 (21.00 UK)
 Van Nistelrooy 64, Maresca 88, Baptista 90 - Pedro León 55, Miku 75 Mehdi Lacen sent off 75 La Rosaleda, Málaga
A stunning last-gasp goal from Julio Baptista sent Málaga to the top of La Liga for the first time in the club’s history as they overcame a dogged Getafe side to record a 3-2 victory.
In a largely disappointing first half the hosts struggled to break down a well-organised and resolute Getafe defence, and with chances at a premium the sides went in level at the break after a goalless first half.
However, the after a quiet start to the second half, the visitors broke the deadlock on 55 minutes with a magnificent goal from Pedro León as he volleyed past Málaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero from outside the area.
Ruud van Nistelrooy then drew the home side level 10 minutes later for his first goal in Málaga colours, heading home following a Joaquín free-kick, but the visitors were back in front after 75 minutes when substitute Miku converted Juan Valera’s right-wing cross. In the aftermath of the goal Getafe had Mehdi Lacen sent off for a second bookable offence and Málaga stepped up the pressure as they laid siege to Jordi Codina’s goal.
With it looking increasingly likely Getafe would escape with all three points Enzo Maresca levelled things two minutes from time with a simple tap-in after Isco had forced Codina into a good save. But the comeback was complete in added time when Baptista got the winner with a spectacular overhead kick to send the home fans into raptures.
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Jesús Gámez, Demichelis, Mathijsen, Eliseu; Toulalan, Duda (Isco 56); Joaquín (Maresca 67), Baptista, Cazorla; Van Nistelrooy (Rondón 74). Unused subs: Rubén, Monreal, Camacho, Sergio Sánchez
Getafe (4-2-3-1): Codina; Valera, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Lacen, Rubén Pérez; Pedro León (Rios 84), Abdel (Rodriguez 78), Diego Castro; Güiza (Miku 70). Unused subs: Casquero, Torres, Nadal, Sarabia
Did you know… After five minutes of the game Willy Caballero in the Málaga goal beat Pedro Contreras’ club record of 425 minutes without conceding.
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