Villarreal: Sergio Asenjo; Mario, Alvaro, Víctor Ruíz, José Ángel; Jonathan Dos Santos, Bruno, Manu Trigueros (Rodri 82’), Roberto Soriano; Adrián López (Bakambu 69’), Sansone (Samu Castillejo 77‘). 4-4-2.
Málaga: Kameni; Rosales, Luis Hernández, Demichelis, Miguel Torres; Camacho, José Rodríguez (Duda 74’); Keko (Jony 62’), Pablo Fornals, Chory Castro (Javi Ontiveros 82’); Charles. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 14. Charles. Ran in to head Rosales cross down past Sergio Asenjo.
1-1. 62. Bruno (penalty). After Rosales brought down Sansone inside area.
Yellow cards: Camacho 55’, Charles 55’, Keko 58’, Demichelis 61’,Duda 81’ / red cards: Roberto Soriano 71’.
Sixth placed Villarreal lost ground on the top five after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Málaga in the Sunday mid-day kick-off. Charles headed the opener for the away side from a Rosales cross on the quarter hour mark, but otherwise the locals were on top, Sansone, Adrián López and Trigueros all failing to convert chances before the break. Some ten minutes in to the second half the Andalusians had a clear penalty appeal turned down after Trigueros pulled back Charles in the area, but soon afterwards referee Bikandi Garrido awarded one at the other end after Sansone fell under a soft challenge from Rosales, Bruno converting the kick. Asenjo and Kameni had to keep out Jony and Samu Castillejo after that, but the visitors held on for a first point under new coach Gato Romero which keeps them seven points clear of the drop zone.