Sevilla welcomed Malaga to the Estadio Ramon on Saturday looking for the three points that would have moved them into the top half of the table.
An incredible opening period saw the home side strike the woodwork twice, but somehow they entered the break on level terms.
The first real chance of the match for Malaga was taken, however, with Martin Demichelis heading his side into the lead after 49 minutes.
It got worse for Sevilla 20 minutes from time when Federico Fazio was dismissed for a foul in the area and Eliseu stepped up to secure the points from the penalty spot.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! One of the standout fixtures in La Liga is brought to you this evening with Malaga making the trip to Seville to take on a struggling Sevilla outfit. A poor run of form has seen the home side occupy 11th spot in the table, but they could move as high as eighth with the victory this evening.
Teams:
Sevilla: Lopez; Fazio, Navarro, Spahic, Coke; Navas, Medel, Perotti, Rakitic, Kondogbia; Negredo
Malaga: Caballero; Gamez, Weligton, Demichelis, Monreal; Camacho, Joaquin, Iturra, Eliseu; Isco, Santa Cruz
Malaga, meanwhile, have won two of their last three league matches to move back into the top four. They have also found their shooting boots in recent weeks with eight goals in their last three matches and played some of their best football of the season in the win over Granada last weekend.
Sevilla have enjoyed the better of the recent meetings between the two sides, however. They have won three of the last five matches with Malaga picking up just the singular win. But much has changed at both clubs in recent seasons with the acquisitions and departures of personnel. One thing is for certain, these two sides both have European football on their mind this season.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have taken place and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see either team doing enough to pick up all three points and therefore I am backing a score draw. Be sure to stay with us for the entirety of the action. Sevilla get us underway...
Alvaro Negredo strikes the first effort of the match as he hits one from all of 40 yards, but it was never troubling Willy Caballero and the goalkeeper let it move past his post. Malaga advance down the other end and force a free kick from Spahic, but the delivery from Joaquin is poor and Diego Lopez collects.
CHANCE! OH MY WORD! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to take the lead inside the opening five minutes as Negredo blasts through the Malaga defence before rounding the goalkeeper, but somehow he fires against the post. Early alarms for the best defence in La Liga.
The pressure continues from the home side as Jesus Navas tumbles in the penalty area, but the referee shakes his head and the play continues. It has been a stunning start from Sevilla as they attempt to return to form against their rivals. We could be in for a real treat this evening as Malaga advance down the other end in a period of end-to-end football.
Really bright start from Navas as the speedy winger evades the challenge of Weligton before firing into the penalty area. There are calls of handball as Negredo attempts to meet the cross, but the referee shakes his head and play resumes with Caballero thumping clear. Where has this opening eight minutes gone? It has absolutely flown by. Now this is a proper football match.
First real piece of attacking intent from Malaga as Eliseu collects possession out wide before combining with Isco and firing into the penalty area, but Santa Cruz just cannot meet the cross and Coke clears the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could be crucial.
The pressure continues from the home side as Gary Medel whips a dangerous cross into the Malaga penalty area, but Caballero just manages to beat Negredo to the ball and palms clear. Not the most orthodox of goalkeeping that you will see but it did the job. Another cross comes in from Navas, but once more Malaga manage to scramble clear.
Slightly untidy last few minutes in the match with both sides giving away free kicks in the opposing half. Decent pressure from Malaga as Isco collects possession outside the box before finding the run of Eliseu, but Fernando Navarro makes the block. The resulting corner is met by Weligton, but he heads wide.
CHANCE! How on earth are the home side not ahead? Negredo bursts into the Malaga box once more, but his low shot is pushed away by Caballero. The rebound falls to Navas in the penalty area, but his strike is also blocked by some fine Malaga defending. Quite incredible.
You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to score during this period of pressure. If they do find the opening goal then the stadium will erupt, but a Malaga strike at this stage would change the entire atmosphere and down their confidence. It cannot be overestimated the importance of the first goal.
The match has just settled in the past few moments with Malaga doing a good job of repelling the danger. Sevilla continue to look the most likely to secure the opening goal, but they are finding it harder to spot the runs of Negredo and Navas. It is so delicately poised at the moment.
Malaga remain a threat on the break, however, as Monreal drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Navarro turns it behind for a corner. Joaquin is given two opportunities to deliver into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared on both occasions and the home side attack once more.
CHANCE! Another opportunity comes for the home side as Kondogbia demonstrates some wonderful ability on the edge of the box before finding a low cross into the middle of the penalty area, but Weligton just manages to clear. It really is all one-way traffic at the moment, but the score remains level.
Again Negredo comes close to opening the scoring as the striker takes possession away from Weligton inside the penalty area, but Martin Demichelis is on the cover and bails his fellow defender out of jail. It is easy to see how they have had such an impressive defensive record this season. But Sevilla have tested them thus far.
Another half-chance for the home side as Medel strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but it was never really troubling the goalkeeper. Malaga are really struggling to find any sort of rhythm in this match with Santa Cruz having touched the ball maybe once or twice inside the opening 30 minutes.
Another long-range drive comes from the home side as Coke fires one from all of 30 yards, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. You can almost sense the home fans' frustration at their side not being ahead. Yes they have played well, but the opening goal has not yet arrived.
Malaga are continually struggling to gain any sort of possession in this match with Isco and Eliseu unable to get into the match in wide areas. But they have kept 13 clean sheets this season, seven of those away home. Meanwhile, they were the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League this season. A clear indication of their staying power and quality.
Malaga continue to defend well as they sit in and absorb the pressure from the home side. Navas has failed to really exert his influence in the wide areas thus far. But he does find a searching cross towards Negredo, but the striker can only head over from close range. It remains 0-0.
Again it's wonderful ability from Negredo as the striker collects possession before flicking over Monreal, but the defender fouls him on the edge of the area and Navas stands over the free kick. The set piece is in fact worked short for Negredo, but Malaga are able to clear their lines.
The tempo has just dropped for Sevilla in the past few moments, although they continue to dominate possession of the ball. It is almost as if Malaga have set out and asked the home side to come and attack them. The problem is they haven't managed to counter attack when presented with the ball. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
Malaga have just settled with possession in the past few moments as they begin to pass and probe in midfield. The ball finds its way to Monreal on the left, but the defender's cross is punched clear by Diego Lopez. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz just cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared.
Best period of the match for Malaga at the moment as they continue to frustrate the home supporters with short and snappy passing in the Sevilla half. You cannot help but feel that the home side have missed a trick in this first period. How they are not ahead is quite sensational.
Half-chance for Malaga as Joaquin fires a high cross towards Demichelis, Lopez comes to collect but gets nowhere near it and the ball drops to Camacho just inside the box. However, the midfielder cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is cleared.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. It has certainly been more of an even contest in the past five or 10 minutes. This match is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
Sevilla 0-0 Malaga
So there we have it. Sevilla have dominated large periods of the opening half of football, but they have been unable to make the breakthrough with the two sides entering the interval on level terms. But it has been about as exciting a 0-0 draw as you will see.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Malaga have shaded the possession with 51%, but they have managed just three attempts to Sevilla's eight. Meanwhile, Malaga have failed to register a single shot on target thus far.
It it easy to see whey they have the best defensive record in La Liga this season due to the way they are set up, but Sevilla really should be ahead in this match. As it stands Malaga would remain in fourth position in the table, but Sevilla would end the day in 12th. Simply not good enough for a team of their standard.
This is probably a good time to draw your attention to tomorrow's events. We have all avenues covered on Sports Mole and you can join me from 12.30pm for Tottenham versus Swansea and from 3.30pm onwards for three back-to-back fixtures in La Liga. The final match of the weekend sees Barcelona host Atletico Madrid. You will not want to miss it.
Here we go then. Malaga get us underway in the second period. Can Sevilla continue their high-tempo football or will Malaga force their way back into the match? It is so delicately poised. There is a change at the break for Malaga, meanwhile, as Sergio Sanchez replaces Iturra.
Sevilla do indeed start the second period with the same tempo as Navas collects possession before beating two defenders and attempting to fire a low cross into the box, but Weligton makes the clearance. It is so important that the home supporters stay with their team as the half advances.
It's good work from Malaga as they pass and probe outside the Sevilla penalty area. The ball is eventually collected by Monreal, but his cross is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece will be taken by Joaquin.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Malaga (Demichelis)
Isn't that just football? Sevilla should have been at least 3-0 ahead at the break. But the first chance for Malaga is taken as Demichelis climbs highest in the penalty area to thump his header into the back of the net. That is just their fourth away goal of the season.
You just always felt that was the danger for Sevilla. They simply could not miss the amount of chances that they did in the opening period and expect Malaga not to respond. Suddenly the away side have their tails up as the ball is kept in the Sevilla penalty area, but the danger is cleared after some desperate defending.
OH MY WORD! Sevilla have a huge penalty shout as Caballero loses control of the ball in the area, allowing Rakitic to pounce, but the midfielder is lost in a challenge from two Malaga defenders. The referee is not interested and waves play on. Replays have suggested that the correct decision was made.
Sevilla make two changes in the early stages of the second period as Jose Antonio Reyes and Cicinho replace Kondogbia and Coke. Just about 35 minutes of football remaining in Seville and Malaga lead courtesy of a header from Demichelis. Surely there will be more goals in this match?
Malaga have the best defensive record in La Liga this season, however, and therefore Sevilla will be made to work extremely hard in order to get back into this match. The home side force two corners in quick succession, but once more the danger is cleared on each occasion.
Malaga have certainly taken control of the tempo in the past five or so minutes with Camacho and Joaquin enjoying possession of the ball. The home supporters remain behind their side, but you just get the feeling that their patience is wearing thin. The next goal in this match could ultimately decide the result.
It just hasn't quite happened for Sevilla in this second period. They continue to enjoy possession of the ball in advanced areas, but their final pass has eluded them in the second 45 minutes. We haven't seen much from Reyes since he was introduced, nor Negredo or Navas after an impressive half.
Another half-chance comes to Sevilla as Camacho fells Reyes outside the penalty area and picks up a yellow card for his troubles. The free kick is delivered by Navas, but Rakitic cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is thumped clear by Gamez.
There seems to be a problem for Rakitic here as the midfielder hits the deck under the challenge of Joaquin. There did not seem to be an awful lot in the tackle, but that is usually when the injuries are the worst. The midfielder takes his place on the stretcher and it is not yet clear whether he will return.
Half-chance for Malaga this time as Eliseu fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Santa Cruz just cannot make contract and it drifts out for a throw. Meanwhile, it does appear that Rakitic will play no further part in this match as Sevilla prepare to make their final change of the match.
First real sign that the home supporters are starting to air their frustrations we enter the final quarter of the match. It does appear that each Sevilla attack is ending with the same lacklustre pass. Meanwhile, Manu del Moral does indeed join the action in place of Rakitic.
PENALTY AND RED CARD: Malaga are awarded a penalty as Joaquin runs in behind the Sevilla defence and Federico Fazio tugs the midfielder to the ground. He had to go. Eliseu will take the effort.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Malaga (Eliseu)
Eliseu does indeed convert from the spot as he sends Diego Lopez the wrong way. It has been a tremendous performance from the away side in the second period.
Meanwhile, Malaga make a change as Joaquin is replaced by Javier Saviola. Surely this match is over or can Sevilla mount a late comeback? You just felt that they had to score during their impressive period in the opening half and when the goal did not come this was always a possibility.
Sevilla continue to put pressure on the Malaga defence and it almost brings their opening goal as Navas fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Cicinho just cannot make proper contact and he fires wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes for Sevilla to save this match. It would be an incredible defeat at this stage of the season. Not to mention the manner of it.
Negredo remains the biggest threat for the home side as the powerful striker evades the challenge of Sanchez before being felled by Monreal outside the penalty area. However, the resulting set piece from Reyes is poor and Weligton clears the danger.
Malaga make their third and final change of the evening as Isco is replaced by Francisco Portillo. An exciting young talent for another. Little over 10 minutes of football to play in Seville and although Sevilla continue to press, they are no closer to opening their tally.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Cicinho drives into the Malaga box before firing an effort towards goal, but it deflects off Weligton and behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Perotti, but the delivery is poor and Caballero is allowed to collect.
Sevilla continue to threaten with three corners in quick succession, but it appears that the ball is just not destined to fall for them this evening. It must be said that the Malaga defence have been quite sensational this evening. They have had such troubles in recent seasons, but they are such a well-drilled outfit.
Little over four minutes of football remaining in this match and the atmosphere is that of a pre-season match. The home supporters have refused to criticise their team this evening, but their noise has dampened in the second period. There is no doubt about it, Sevilla are really struggling at the moment.
Another Sevilla attack breaks down at the final moment as Navas's cross is hit straight into the arms of the Malaga goalkeeper. There is definitely another goal in this match should the away side push on, but it appears that they are more than happy to sit in and absorb. They enjoy it.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match. It does appear that Sevilla have just lost their belief in the past five or so minutes.
Possession football from Malaga at the moment as they continue to pass and probe around the edge of the Sevilla penalty area. This match is over and everyone involved knows it. But Sevilla will be left wondering how on earth they have lost based on their first-half performance.
No chances to report in stoppage time with the match entering its final 30 seconds or so. There has been a lack of spirit for the home side since they lost the second goal and were reduced to 10 men. Saviola has an strike from distance in the final moments, but his effort is over the crossbar.
Sevilla 0-2 Malaga
So there we have it. Malaga score twice in the second period to pick up all three points against Sevilla. Our full report of the match courtesy of Mark Langshaw can be found here. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
