Elche took a giant step towards securing their La Liga status for next season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Malaga at the La Rosaleda, which saw the away side finish the game with nine men.
The decisive goal came on 11 minutes when Garry Mendes Rodrigues swept home a right-footed shot from the edge of the area, beyond the reach of Willy Caballero.
In truth, Elche could have led sooner when both Coro and Richmond Boakye went close for the visitors in the opening exchanges.
Roque Santa Cruz nearly forged an equaliser when he brought a save out of Manuel Yague after latching onto a through-ball from Ignacio Camacho.
However, Malaga struggled to force the issue throughout the game, registering just two shots on goal despite having far more possession than their opponents.
Elche task was made tougher when Tono was given a straight red, leaving the visitors to face the last quarter of the game with 10 men.
With eight minutes remaining, their job became more difficult after Alberto Botia was also sent off, this time for fighting.
However, Elche were able to hold for the three points, which lifts them six points clear of the relegation zone although many of the sides below them in the table have a game in hand.
Chris O'Keefe
