Marbella come out on top in tight Costa del Sol derby

With survival on the line for both teams, Atlético Malagueño and Marbella took to the field at the Malaga Football Federation on Sunday with one clear brief - keep it tight at the back and try to strike their opponents on the counterattack.

This made for a game low on action and which ultimately would be decided by slim margins.

Yet again Hicham was the hosts' star player, but his influence was limited by a Marbella defence who were well-drilled and grew in confidence as they dealt with Malagueño's increasingly direct play with relative ease.

The only goal of the game came two minutes before half time when Marbella's Montero beat Samu Casado, who had a fine game, from the penalty spot.

In fact, both goalkeepers were in good form and Wilfred had his moment to shine five minutes from the end when he denied Rubén.

Defeat for the hosts moves them one step closer to certain relegation. Despite the upturn in form (and an impressive, while unexpected win in San Fernando the week before), Atlético Malagueño remain in deep trouble, rooted to the bottom of the Segunda B group four table with just 13 points.

Meanwhile for Marbella, the three points raises them several places up to 12th on 26 points.

"One thing that is certain in football is that one week you're calm and the next the pressure returns. For that reason you have to enjoy victories like these," said new Marbella coach Cubillo who has now won two of his first three games in charge.