Málaga: Kameni; Jesús
Gámez, Weligton, Mathijsen, Monreal (Buonanotte 75'); Cazorla,
Demichelis; Seba Fernández (Van Nistelrooy 59'), Isco, Eliseu (Duda
46'); Rondón. 4-2-3-1.
Betis: Fabricio; Nelson,
Amaya, Dorado, Nacho; Jonathan Pereira, Beñat (Iriney 52'),
Cañas, Jefferson Montero (Juanma 58'); Rubén Castro, Santa Cruz
(Matilla 77'). 4-4-2.
Goals:
0-1. 39. Rubén Castro. Got free of markers to
head Beñat cross past Kameni.
0-2. 45. Dorado. Struck low shot past
keeper after Amaya tackled inside area.
Yellow cards: Nacho 33', Weligton 38', Dorado 55', Nelson 66', Fabricio 69'.
Málaga missed out on a chance to go third after they were surprisingly beaten 0-2 by local rivals Betis on Saturday evening. Pelligrini's side had gone six games without defeat, whereas their opponents were dropping close to the danger zone after six without a win. And for the first half hour or so the locals dominated play, Cazorla missing an easy chance and Rondón going close with a couple of headers. With six minutes to go to the break though Rubén Castro got on the end of a long Beñat free kick to steer in a header which Kameni couldn't keep out, and with the first half coming to an end Santa Cruz headed a Beñat corner back in to the goalmouth, and although Amaya was tackled, the ball fell to Dorado who fired a low shot past the keeper. The second half was all Málaga, with second half substitutes Duda, Van Nistelrooy and Buonanotte all testing Fabricio and his defence, but Betis held on for three vital points which takes them seven points clear of the relegation spots.