Malaga striker Roque Santa Cruz said the last-minute 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was cruel on Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
The Paraguayan was handed a first La Liga start of the season and responded with the equaliser after Radamel Falcao had put Los Rojiblancos in front, although he was substituted at the break after suffering a slight leg strain.
Santa Cruz believed a draw would have been just reward for Los Blanquiazules at a place that is notoriously difficult to take points from.
“It hurts because Atletico are a very difficult team to play against and it is a tough ground to come to.
“I think a draw would have been a fair result from what I saw of the game and to lose it in this manner was cruel.
“Nonetheless, we must continue to look forward and in that sense we now have a run of fixtures that allows us to think of getting more points,” he told assembled media, before admitting Malaga had not been at their maximum physically.
“It’s normal that it can take its toll after playing in the Champions League in midweek and then a League game. You can’t be at your best in every match and we were obviously not as fresh as we have been in recent weeks.”
The 31-year-old, on loan from Manchester City, said the injury that forced him to remain in the dressing room at half-time is not serious and he hopes to make a quick recovery.
“The medical team and the Coach decided I had better come off as a precaution. It happened just after the match started, although it wasn’t that serious and I was able to complete the first half.
“I’ve now got some time to recover and I hope to be ready for the next game [against Real Valladolid in two weeks’ time]. We’ve got a two-week break and I think I’ll be ready,” he declared.
