Malaga snatch morale-boosting win over Sevilla
Coach Antonio Tapia got off to a winning start in charge of struggling Malaga on Saturday when his new side snatched a morale-boosting 1-0 win at home to high-flying Sevilla in the Primera Liga.
Coach Antonio Tapia got off to a winning start in charge of struggling Malaga on Saturday when his new side snatched a morale-boosting 1-0 win at home to high-flying Sevilla in the Primera Liga.
The only goal of a tight contest came when Sevilla centre-back Aitor Ocio turned the ball into his own net midway through the second half under pressure from Malaga striker Paulo Wanchope after a mix-up in defence.
Former reserve team coach Tapia took charge of Malaga this week after the sacking of Gregorio Manzano, who lost his job when the team slumped to their eighth defeat in nine games.
Malaga remain in 18th place in the 20-strong Primera Liga, but are now just a point behind Racing Santander and Albacete who play each other on Sunday.
A first defeat in six matches meant Sevilla missed the chance to keep the pressure on the top four teams and remain in fifth spot in the table.
The Andalucians are 10 points adrift of leaders Barcelona who are at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Second-placed Real Madrid host Real Zaragoza and champions Valencia, who are both seven points behind Barca, are away to Osasuna in two of Sunday's other leading matches.
Earlier, Getafe fought their way back from a goal down and a sending off to claim a deserved 1-1 draw at home to neighbours Atletico Madrid. Substitute Jorge put Atletico in front when he scored with his first touch of the ball nine minutes before halftime, cracking home from 10 metres.
Getafe, who have proved difficult opponents for many of the big sides that have visited the Coliseum, were dealt another blow when defender Ruben Pulido was dismissed after picking up a second booking on the stroke of halftime.
But despite their numerical disadvantage it was the home side that dominated the second half and earned an important point when striker Sergio Pachon added the finishing touch to a beautifully worked passing move.
Atletico are eighth in the standings while Getafe, who are in their first season in the top flight, are 15th.