Malaga 0-1 Valencia: Navarro Wins It For Los Che

One goal enough as Malaga remain rooted to the foot of the table...

Nov 1, 2009 8:01:55 PM

More On :  Malaga, Valencia CF, Malaga vs Valencia CF
David Navarro - Valencia (Firo)
Malaga 0-1 Valencia Lineups, Stats
La Liga Results, Standings
A solitary David Navarro goal midway through the second half was enough to give Valencia victory over Malaga at the Rosaleda as Los Che maintain their charge for a UEFA Champions League place.

The visitors will certainly be happy to have taken three points from this game as they did not have things all their own way as Los Boquerones played nothing like a team struggling in the relegation places.

In a lively opening David Villa twice went close for the visitors but Gustavo Munua was equal to it on both occasions, first tipping over a header before grabbing a tame effort from the striker moments later.

Victor Obinna was the home sides biggest threat and brought a fine save from Cesar after 12 minutes but Valencia continued to press forward and could have had a lead had Pablo Hernandez spotted both Villa and David Silva in support. Instead the attacking midfielder opted to shoot but fired well wide, much to Villa's disgust.

Malaga had a fine chance themselves on the hour but Cesar was quick off his line to smother Obinna's effort. The Nigerian turned provider minutes later clipping in a fine cross for Albert Luque but his toe poke went wide of Cesar's goal.

The hosts had proven a match for Los Che in the opening 45 minutes and could have lead shortly after the interval but Cesar made a fine double save from Weligton. His performances between the sticks for Valencia are certainly justifying Unai Emery's decision to favour him ahead of Miguel Angel Moya of late.

Valencia probed once more with Silva finding Villa but with Munua approaching El Guaje had to rush his effort and it went over the crossbar. Munua was alert again moments later to deny Silva from 20 yards but the 'keeper was found in no mans land for the goal after 69 minutes.

A deep cross to the far post was misjudged by the stopper and Navarro was on hand to nod home.

Malaga responded with the excellent Obinna almost taking the game to Los Che on his own with three efforts on goal in as many minutes. First he smashed a fine effort at goal from the edge of the box which clipped the crossbar and but after firing wide from an acute angle the Nigerian striker made things easy for Cesar a minute later after fine work from Nabil Baha down the left.

One goal was enough for Valencia and the hosts will rue a lack of composure in front of goal but Los Che were made to battle to hold out for all three points and close to within just five of leaders Barcelona as misfiring Malaga's struggles continue.

Paul Madden, Goal.com
Follow Goal.com on Twitter
Follow Goal.com on Facebook
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
2 Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. What we learned from Man Utd's thrilling fightback What we learned from Man Utd's thrilling fightback

    Sir Alex Ferguson's team showed resilience and drive to prove they can hound rivals City all the way in race for the Premier League title

  2. Player Ratings: Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham Player Ratings: Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham

    The Reds slumped to their eighth draw at Anfield this season in the Premier League against a resilient Spurs side who, without manager Harry Redknapp, keep their title hopes alive

  3. Cartoon: This looks like a job for Super-Webb! Cartoon: This looks like a job for Super-Webb!

    Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day ...

  4. Scudetto now a two-horse race, but watch Roma go Scudetto now a two-horse race, but watch Roma go

    While the top two continue to give each other a break, the country's most attacking outfit could be just a couple of signings away from becoming a real force

  5. World Player of the Week: Eamon Zayed - Persepolis World Player of the Week: Eamon Zayed - Persepolis

    Join Goal.com in saluting another player worthy of global recognition

 
Advertisement
Advertisement