Atlético record slender success against Málaga
Saturday, January 4, 2014
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Koke scored the only goal at La Rosaleda as Club Atlético de Madrid defeated Málaga CF in the first Liga game of 2014 to go three points clear of FC Barcelona for 24 hours at least.
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Club Atlético de Madrid have gone top of the Spanish Liga for 24 hours at least following a 1-0 victory at Málaga CF in their opening game of 2014.
The deadlock at La Rosaleda was broken with 20 minutes left by Koke, who fired in the rebound after Málaga goalkeeper Willy had blocked a shot on the turn from Adrián López.
The midfielder's fourth goal of the season extends the Rojiblancos' winning run to seven in all competitions and gives the capital side a three-point lead over FC Barcelona. The champions will return to the summit if they defeat Elche CF in one of four Liga fixtures on Sunday.
Bottom-placed Real Betis Balompié, meanwhile, drew 0-0 at fellow strugglers Real Valladolid CF and Valencia CF moved up to eighth following a 2-0 success against city rivals Levante UD. In the late game, UD Almería improved their survival chances with a 3-0 defeat of visitors Granada CF.
