Málaga 1 - Real Sociedad 2

Málaga: Calatayud; Josemi, Fernando Sanz, Litos (Diego Alonso 76'), Valcarce; Miguel Angel, Romero; Edgar, Insúa (Canabal 49'), Duda; Salva. 4-2-3-1.
Real Sociedad: Alberto; López Rekarte, Kvarme, Schürrer, Potillón; Alkiza (Jauregi 65'), Aranburu; Karpin, Nihat, Gabilondo; De Paula (Boris 74'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Málaga: Josemi, Duda for Rojas, Gerardo / Real: Kvarme, Potillón, Alkiza, Gabilondo, De Paula for Jauregi, Aranzábal, Xabi Alonso, De Pedro, Kovacevic.

Goals:
1-0. 25. Litos. Glancing header across Alberto on near post from Duda's corner.
1-1. 36. Karpin. Picked up pass from Nihat on right of area to chip keeper.
1-2. 45. Nihat. Bent free kick from right of area into bottom corner of net.

Real Sociedad climbed out of the relegation spots after they came from behind to beat Málaga 1-2, their first win in all competitions in fourteen games. The home side were chasing a place in the top four, and they felt themselves unlucky not to be awarded an early penalty when Litos was pushed in the area by Potillón, referee Daudén Ibáñez waving away all appeals. The Portuguese defender made up for it though a few minutes later when he rose to head Duda's corner past Alberto.

Real appeared to be heading for another defeat, especially as they were missing Westerveld, Xabi Alonso and Kovacevic for varying reasons. But Karpin latched on to Nihat's pass to level the scores ten minutes later, and Nihat himself put the Basques ahead with a direct free kick on the stroke of half time.

The locals came out in the second half looking to make amends, and Juande Ramos threw on Canabal and then Diego Alonso to strengthen the attack. But Alberto kept out efforts from Fernando Sanz and Salva, and Litos just failed to steer Duda's free kick towards goal as the visitors held on for grim death.

Daudén had to be escorted from the pitch by the police at the end, but Málaga have only themselves to blame, and once again they failed with the Champions' League spots in their sights.