Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
Malaga moved back in to fourth place after they survived against Mallorca after nearly coughing up a 3-1 lead with 20 minutes left to play
Leading 3-1 with 28 minutes left to play, Malaga looked on their way to a comfortable win. Then Mallorca scored to close within a goal and defender Martín Demichelis was sent off forcing Malaga to survive a nervy final 20 minutes to hold on for the win.
The win, combined Real Betis' defeat today, moves Los Boquerones back in to a Champions League spot ahead of Betis on goal differential. It's a nice way to rebound from their disappointing loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.
Javier Saviola put the visitors ahead in the 10th minute, jumping on a loose ball in the Mallorca box off a set piece and beating Juan Calatayud with a shot in the bottom right corner. Isco added a second just six minutes later, hammering in a volley at the far post off a cross from Nacho Monreal.
Mallorca clawed back in the game right before half time when Victor Casadesus got off a shot from the center of the Malaga box, beating Wilfredo Caballero and reducing Malaga's lead to 2-1. struck to reduce the deficit.
Malaga pulled pack ahead by two goals at the hour mark when Monreal received a pass at the edge of the box from Francisco Portillo and beat Caballero to make it 3-1.
Mallroca weren't done though as they pulled back within a goal yet again in the 70th minute thanks to a beautifully struck free kick by Giovani dos Santos. Two minutes later Martin Demichelis was shown a straight red card for a hard foul on Javier Marquez, leaving Mallorca with a man advantage for the final 18 minutes of the match.
Despite the advantage, Mallorca couldn't find a third goal and Malaga held on for the victory.
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