Málaga 3 - Betis 2

Málaga: Contreras; Larrainzar (Sandro 35'), Litos, Fernando Sanz, Roteta; Gerardo, Zárate, Romero, Musampa (Canabal 65'); Darío Silva (Iznata 80'), Dely Valdés. 4-4-2.
Betis: Prats; Valero, Crosa, Belenguer, Mingo (Luis Fernández 73'); Cañas, Ito; Joaquín, Capi (Benjamín 65'), Denilson; Casas (Amato 60'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 19. Casas. Drove cross from Denilson low past keeper.
1-1. 37. Darío Silva. Ran on to Gerardo's pass and shot into bottom of net.
1-2. 52. Casas (penalty). For supposed foul by Gerardo on Denilson.
2-2. 65. Darío Silva. Held off challenge from Mingo to roll ball past keeper.
3-2. 69. Zárate. Controlled Canabal's cross on chest and shot low across keeper.

Málaga came from behind twice to beat local rivals Betis 3-2, with the man who Betis rejected this summer Darío Silva scoring two goals, and Zárate getting the winner in the second half. Gaston Casas had given the visitors the lead, and got a second from the penalty spot after Denilson was brought down in the area. The result was a fitting revenge for Málaga, who were beaten 6-1 by their opponents in the preseason Carranza tournament final.

This was the first game for Betis since being promoted, but on this form they should have no trouble staying up. New signing Ikpeba will have his work cut out to gain a place in the side, with Casas and Amato on top form. Málaga must be happy that they have been able to successfully replace their midfield after losing Rufete, De los Santos, Movilla and Agostinho in the summer. New signings Litos, Romero and Gerardo all made acceptable debuts. The only dark spot was some crowd trouble between rival supporters before the match, and a moment of tension near the end when referee Ansuategui Roca was forced to book a couple of players.