Granada defeat Málaga in Andalusian derby
Málaga passed up the opportunity to go sixth in the table after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in the Andalusian derby at neighbours Granada, a win that sees Abel Resino’s men pull clear of the relegation zone and move into mid-table.
Odion Ighalo gave the hosts the lead on 57 minutes when he headed home a Dani Benitez cross from the right, only for Málaga to respond 11 minutes later when Salomon Rondón scored from close range after being set up by Nacho Monreal. However, El Grana regained the advantage nine minutes from time as Iñigo López turned the ball home after goalkeeper Willy Caballero had parried Guilherme’s initial effort into his path. The visitors were reduced to 10 men just two minutes later, Argentine defender Martín Demichelis getting a straight red card for a bad challenge on Franco Jara.
Resino has now won two out of two as Granada boss and afterwards described as ‘sensational’ his players’ attitude since he took charge.
“Tonight’s game was hotly disputed between two sides that wanted to win, but my men always believed they would be victorious,” said Resino. “At 1-1 it seemed Málaga had got a point but we recovered to earn a fully deserved win because we never give up and now have a winning mentality.
“The attitude shown was sensational and we continue to improve. The fans here have led this club to two successive promotions and I am convinced that with their help we will stay in this division.”
Málaga boss Manuel Pellegrini believed his team had let ‘two very important points’ escape and that the Costa del Sol side had done enough to have won the game.
“We played very well and the game was decided in the two penalty areas, but we were unable to get the goals we needed to win despite having five or six clear-cut opportunities,” said the Chilean. “We have to concentrate more in our own box because they had fewer chances than us and came away with all three points.
“Two very important points have escaped us,” he continued. “These things happen in football and we must overcome them by working hard, staying positive and trying to correct our mistakes. We also need to be taking more points away from home, particularly against sides like Granada who give you more space than a lot of teams,” he concluded.
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