Atlético Madrid vs Málaga — La Liga

**Atlético Madrid 2-0 Málaga**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart; 87% of matches were more unusual than this one. The unusualness was primarily concentrated in the build-up (44%) and the attack (26%). Despite the low volume of long-range attempts in the match (8 in total, 13th percentile of the two teams' joint volume), Atlético Madrid was clearly ahead with 7 to Málaga's 1 (93rd percentile of gaps). Similarly, few shots on target were recorded in the match (7 in total, 17th percentile of the two teams' joint volume), but Atlético Madrid was clearly ahead with 6 to Málaga's 1 (91st percentile of gaps).

**How it played out:** The game was defined by a high volume of territorial control, with both teams completing 446 passes in the opponent's half (99th percentile of the two teams' joint volume), and Atlético Madrid making 86 more than Málaga (266 to 180, 75th percentile of gaps). Atlético Madrid also found more success in specific attacking avenues, recording 5 more accurate crosses than Málaga (5 to 0, 87th percentile of gaps) and 5 more corners (6 to 1, 86th percentile of gaps) in a match where few of both were recorded. Defensively, both sides were active in winning the ball back, recording a high volume of tackles (41 in total, 91st percentile of joint volume) and interceptions (22 in total, 72nd percentile of joint volume), with Málaga making 4 more interceptions than Atlético Madrid (13 to 9, 74th percentile of gaps). The physical battle on the ground was intense, with 87 ground duels won (91st percentile of joint volume), and Málaga won 9 more than Atlético Madrid (48 to 39, 85th percentile of gaps). Conversely, few aerial duels were won in the match (18 in total, 12th percentile of joint volume), but Atlético Madrid was clearly ahead with 12 to Málaga's 6 (84th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The performances pointed to a Atlético Madrid win (52%), and that is what happened. The fair probabilities are Atlético Madrid win 52%, draw 34%, and Málaga win 14%. With Atlético Madrid creating 3 big chances to Málaga's 0, the result was deserved.