Deportivo La Coruna welcomed Malaga on Saturday knowing that three points would have moved them off the bottom of the table.
Both teams had chances in the opening half, but poor finishing contributed to a 0-0 scoreline at the interval.
The home side opened the scoring just before the hour mark, however, when Pizzi collected a loose pass before driving his effort into the top corner.
Both teams had chances in the latter stages, but Deportivo hung on to secure a vital three points in their first match of 2013.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our second La Liga live commentary of the day comes from La Coruna as a struggling Derportivo side welcome high-flying Malaga to the Riazor. Three points for the home side could move them level on points with 18th placed Espanyol. Meanwhile, victory for Malaga would temporarily move them above Real Madrid into third position.
With a new coach in place, Deportivo kick off the second part of the season against a team that they have dominated in recent years. In fact, Malaga have not defeated Depor for 13 years. They have beaten them 10 times since 2000 and the last time Malaga secured a point against the club was in April 2002, when Julio Dely Valdes was among the goals.
History may point to a home win, but much has changed at both clubs in recent seasons. Deportivo are without a win in their last seven matches and face a Malaga side that has conceded just three away goals in the league, not to mention that they currently hold the best defensive record in La Liga.
TEAMS:
DEPORTIVO: Aranzubia; Marchena, Ze Castro, Pablo, Evaldo; Aguilar, Berhantinos, Santos, Riki; Gama, Pizzi
MALAGA: Caballero; Demichelis, Nacho, Weligton, Gamez; Joaquin, Camacho, Eliseu, Isco; Portillo, Santa Cruz
So there we have it. Both teams have undertaken the pre-match handshakes and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my prediction. I cannot see anything other than an away win this evening. Just a reminder of the main team news, Depor pair Pizzi and Gama in attack. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz is handed the lone attacking role for Malaga. The home side get the action underway.
Decent start from Deportivo with Aguilar and Andre Santos seeing plenty of the possession in the early stages. A long pass is thumped into the penalty area by Riki, but Gama cannot make contact and the danger is cleared. You just get the feeling that Deportivo need to score first to have a chance this evening.
Malaga have just taken control of the possession in the last couple of moments with Isco seeing plenty of the ball in and around the Deportivo penalty area. It is easy to see why Malaga have been so compact in defence this season, they have a really nice shape to their entire team.
Again it's good work from Deportivo as Gama collects a high ball in the penalty area before turning a striking a powerful effort towards goal, but Caballero gets down well to make the save. It just would not fall for Riki who was ready and waiting in the middle of the area.
Another half-chance for the home team as Aguilar strikes a powerful effort form outside the penalty area, but it just moved past the post. The Deportivo supporters are right up for this match and it is aiding their team. They have made an impressive start to proceedings.
Not a great deal from Malaga in the opening 10 minutes of this match. Isco has shown a few glimpses in possession, but nothing much to get excited about. For all the impressive football from the home side, they have failed to really test the Malaga goalkeeper aside from a few efforts from distance.
It must be said that the pitch is not in the best condition for this match. Usually the winter break aids the surfaces in Spain but that is not the case here. Malaga create their best opening of the match as Santa Cruz finds Gamez in the penalty area, but his strike is high and wide of the target.
Deportivo come close down the other end moments later as Riki finds the run of Santos in behind the Malaga defence, but Weligton is on the cover and just manages to clear the danger. A couple of half-chances for either side. Suddenly the match looks full of goals as predicted.
Just a few signs that Malaga are starting to take control of the match as they enjoy decent possession in the Deportivo half. You just get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could prove to be decisive. It has that kind of feel. On the face of it, a point apiece would not be the worst result for either of these two teams.
Again it's bright work from Isco as the midfielder collects possession before twisting and turning outside the box, but he is felled under the challenge of Evaldo. The resulting free kick is taken by Joaquin, but Manuel Pablo is on hand to clear the danger. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the ground this evening.
First yellow card of the match is handed to Aguilar as the Deportivo midfielder fells Isco off the ball. Another free kick is whipped into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared once more. Deportivo advance down the other end with Gama, but he cannot sort out his feet and Caballero is out to clear the danger.
The Malaga goalkeeper has picked up an injury for his troubles as he is clattered by Gama following the save. Caballero - who has six clean sheets in his last 10 appearances - is not one to put on a show, however, and quickly returns to his feet. Deportivo whip another corner into the box, but Evaldo fires a tame header over the bar.
Deportivo continue to play the better football as they pass and probe outside the Malaga penalty area. However, the lack of quality in their final pass is there for all to see. They have opened up the away side's midfield on more than one occasion, but have failed to break through the final shield.
Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining and we are still awaiting the first real chance of the match. Deportivo have played the better football, but have thus far been unable to open the scoring. If you had never seen Spanish football and were told that Deportivo were bottom on this performance, then you would laugh. They have been really good for large periods against a top-four side.
It's really nice feet from Riki as the Deportivo striker cuts inside Weligton in the penalty area, but he cannot find the cross and the danger is cleared. The pressure continues from the home side as they back Malaga into their own box, but the offside flag is raised and the away side have some respite.
Best period of the match for Malaga in the past couple of moments as they begin to get Santa Cruz involved in the penalty area, but the danger is cleared for a corner. Portillo comes close from the resulting set piece, but his powerful effort is blocked by Ze Castro.
POST! Deportivo launch an immediate counter attack as Pizzi weaves past two challenges, but he is chopped down by Gamez, who gains a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is taken by Pizzi, but his effort thumps off the post. Incredibly unlucky.
The stadium is really bouncing this evening with both sets of supporters creating an incredible atmosphere. Again Deportivo threaten as Pizzi advances into the penalty area, but this time Gamaz comes across to make a wonderful challenge. Malaga advance down the other end with Isco, but the danger is cleared.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and the score remains level. Just a reminder of what has happened in Spain thus far today. Levante were 3-1 winners against Athletic Bilbao, before Valencia won away at Granada. Deportivo again come close with Pizzi, but his effort is straight at Caballero.
Slightly untidy period to the match at the moment with both sides giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half. The latest is whipped into the Malaga penalty area by Santos, but the danger is cleared by Weligton, who picks up his 11th yellow card of the season moments later.
Again it's good work from the home side as Pablo comes forward from defence before whipping a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Gama cannot make contact and it goes out of play for a goal kick. Malaga will be happy if they can make it to the interval at 0-0.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match by some distance as Gama advances into the penalty area before striking an attempt on goal, but Caballero is out to clear the danger. Gama again comes close with an effort moments later, but once more the danger is cleared. Gama could have had four in this match.
Half-chance for Malaga this time as Eliseu curls an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over one minute of the half remaining. I should not think there will be too much added in stoppage time. Evaldo gets forward from defence once more for Deportivo, but his cross is collected by Caballero.
CHANCE! Malaga come within a whisker on the stroke of the interval as Joaquin advances on goal before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Aranzubia is across to make a vital save. How important could that turn out to be at the end of the evening?
We are into the first of two added minutes at the end of the half. Deportivo again come close as Gama strikes an effort from outside the box, but Caballero is equal to the danger and wastes some precious seconds by keeping hold of the ball. Bar a late showing the first period will end goalless.
HALF-TIME: Deportivo 0-0 Malaga
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Deportivo have certainly had the better of the chances, but Joaquin might have scored with Malaga's first real effort moments before the interval.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Malaga have dominated the possession with 59%, but they have managed just four attempts to Deportivo's eight. But for some poor finishing from Gama, then the home side could quite easily have found themselves 3-0 ahead at the break.
In terms of the second period, I should not imagine there will be any changes at the break. Juan Carlos Valeron would be the obvious choice for the home side should they wish to add some more invention to their midfield, but they have impressed thus far. For Malaga, I would be very surprised if Javier Saviola was not introduced.
As it stands Malaga would remain in fourth position in the table, level on points with fifth-placed Real Betis and a point behind Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Deportivo would remain bottom of the table, but just two points from safety. The match is so delicately poised.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. One change at the interval with Manuel Iturra replacing Portillo for Malaga. I am still backing my prediction of an away win, we have seen it all too often from Malaga this season. They just find a way to win these type of matches. It is no fluke.
Half-chance for the home side in the early stages of the second period as Gama wins a free kick just outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by Riki, but his effort is wide of the target. Malaga attempt to advance down the other end with Santa Cruz, but the striker cannot sort out his feet in time.
CHANCE! You just get the feeling that Deportivo cannot afford to keep missing these chances. This time it's Riki who advances on goal, but he cannot find a finish as Weligton comes across to make a fine challenge. He lacked the pace to really drive at goal there. That was the difference.
Malaga advance down the other end with Eliseu, but the speedy winger is chopped down in his prime by Ze Castro. The damage to the winger looks to be serious as he remains on the floor. Replays have shown that the challenge was not very clear. Concern over his involvement continues.
Again Malaga attack as Joaquin advances into the Deportivo penalty area, but Ze Castro comes across to make a fine tackle. Slightly untidy period to the match at the moment with both teams guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half. We remain level at 0-0 with 54 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Deportivo 1-0 Malaga (Pizzi)
Oh my word. Finally Deportivo take the lead and it's Pizzi who pounces on a loose pass from Gamez before driving into the penalty area and thumping his effort into the top corner. It had been coming. It is a fully-deserved lead for the bottom side in La Liga.
Deportivo have just wanted it more this evening. Not for one minute am I suggesting that this match is over, far from it. But even the most ardent of Malaga supporter would not be able to argue against the current score. This result would move Deportivo out of the bottom three.
Decent response from the away side in the last couple of moments, but their lack of mobility in the final third is costing them. I am surprised that they have not yet introduced Saviola to proceedings. Deportivo attempt to attack down the other end with Gama, but it is wasteful from the striker and the danger is cleared.
Malaga do need make the change as Nacho is replaced by Saviola. A defender for a striker. That is an attacking change if I have ever seen one. They need some sort of inspiration this evening that is for certain. Little over 25 minutes of football to play and Deportivo lead 1-0.
Deportivo are breaking up play whenever they can as we approach the final stages of this match. Isco continues to look the class act for Malaga as he probes outside the box, but he is felled twice in quick succession and neither set piece comes to thing. Meanwhile, Eliseu fells Riki down the other end and more precious seconds drift away.
The home side make their first change of the evening as Riki is replaced by Nelson Oliveira. The latter has not had too much playing time this season, but definitely has ability as he proved for Portugal in the last European Championships. He is immediately involved as he gathers a pass from Pizzi outside the box, but Weligton clears the danger.
Nothing much to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Malaga continue to enjoy the better of the possession, but they have been flat this evening. Meanwhile, the home supporters are in full voice. This would be a huge three points if they can hang onto the win.
Deportivo continue to sit in and absorb the danger and Malaga simply have no response. But you just get the feeling that there are more goals to come in this match. It is all going too well for the home side. Meanwhile, Malaga make their third change as Joaquin is replaced by Diego Buonanotte.
Gamez attacks down the right for Malaga as he evades the challenge of Evaldo before whipping a cross into the penalty area, but Santa Cruz can only head wide of the target. Everyone froze in the Deportivo penalty area. That is the danger.
The closer we get to the 90 minutes, the more nervous Deportivo will become. Just a reminder that they are currently bottom of the table, but three points this evening would move them off the basement. Isco attempts a threaded pass towards Saviola, but the Argentine cannot collect.
It's really good feet from Buonanotte as the little Argentine dances into the Deportivo penalty area, but Aranzubia comes out to collect the danger. Where is the Malaga goal coming from? At the moment, nowhere. But we still have more than 10 minutes of football to play in La Coruna.
Malaga continue to put the pressure on the Deportivo defence, but it cannot be said that they are really threatening to level the scores. They have been poor this evening make no mistake about that. But praise must be given to the home side for forcing the mistakes.
CHANCE! OH MY WORD. Glorious opportunity for Malaga to level as Buonanotte dances into the penalty area before finding Isco, but somehow Ze Castro dives at the feet of the midfielder to clear the danger. That looked a certain goal for all the world. Wonderful defending.
Deportivo make their second change of the evening as Santos is replaced by Javier Camunas. Santos has certainly put in a shift tonight and he is embraced by his manager. The pressure continues from Malaga, but still they cannot make the breakthrough.
Easily the best spell of the game for Malaga at the moment as they float a number of crosses into the Deportivo penalty area, but once more the danger is headed clear by Marchena. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and Deportivo lead 1-0 courtesy of that strike from Pizzi after 57 minutes.
Really is one-way traffic as we enter the final minute of normal time. Malaga force a free kick outside the penalty area as Isco is felled by Gama, but the delivery from the Spaniard is poor and the danger is cleared. But you just get the feeling that there will be some late drama in this match.
Half-chance for Malaga once more as Buonanotte strikes a effort from outside the box, but Aranzubia collects. Deportivo make their third change as Gama is replaced by Aythami. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes.
Not too much to get excited about in stoppage time. Malaga continue to enjoy possession in the Deportivo half, but still they cannot find that elusive final ball and the danger is cleared once more. The home supporters are ready to lift the roof right off this stadium.
Little under 30 seconds of normal time remaining and Deportivo have possession. On this performance, they will have no worries about staying in the league come the end of the season. Malaga, meanwhile, need to respond with three points next week.
FULL-TIME: Deportivo 1-0 Malaga
So there we have it. Deportivo win for just the third time this season as they move off the bottom of the table. The result leaves Malaga in fourth position, but they have missed the chance to move above Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
