Madrid: A superb overhead kick in injury time from Julio Baptista completed a spectacular turnaround for Malaga who scored twice in the last four minutes to beat Getafe 3-2 and take top spot in La Liga.
Malaga dominated the first half without creating a clear-cut chance and then after the break Pedro Leon put the visitors ahead with an excellent volley from distance yesterday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy then headed Malaga level but Nicolas Miku controversially restored Getafe’s advantage with a header which also came off his hand.
Malaga appeared to be heading for defeat before Enzo Maresca slotted home in the 88th minute and then two minutes into injury time Baptista acrobatically gave them the three points.
Malaga have 13 points, the same as Valencia, but lead on goal difference.
Their stay at the top may be brief, however, with the likes of Real Betis and Barcelona both playing on Sunday.
Valencia pip Granada
An early strike from Sergio Canales gave Valencia a 1-0 victory over Granada, the club’s first win in three matches.
Valencia returned to winning ways after a draw against Barcelona and defeat by Sevilla.
Canales gave Valencia the perfect start with an angled strike from the edge of the area after just three minutes.
Valencia piled on the pressure early on with keeper Roberto Fernandez saving Granada on several occasions notably from Roberto Soldado and Ever Banega but the visitors gradually came into the game with Daniel Benitez their main danger.
In the second half Roberto continued to be the busier keeper but his opposite number Vicente Guaita also got down to save well from Hassan Yebda and then minutes later Inigo Lopez hit the post.
“We are happy with the three points but there are things that we need to improve on like maintaining possession of the ball,” said Valencia coach Unai Emery.
“These are the points which at the end of the season can make the difference in whether you achieve your aims or not.”
Granada coach Fabri Gonzalez refused to criticise his players. “I don’t have anything negative to say about my team.” (AFP)
