Champions League-chasing Malaga kept in touch with the top four in La Liga as they beat Racing Santander 3-1 tonight.
An evenly-contested first half offered opportunities for both sides but neither could break the deadlock as they entered the break goalless.
Malaga did open the scoring three minutes into the second half when midfielder Isco shot from inside the penalty area to beat Tono in the Santander goal.
With 65 minutes played, Alvaro Gonzalez turned into his own net to double Malaga's advantage, but Santander were back in it five minutes later.
Christian Suani broke away before providing Manuel Arana, who applied the finish to make the score 2-1.
The home side went on the attack looking for an equaliser but Malaga secured victory in the 89th minute when Seba Fernandez converted Ruud van Nistelrooy's cross.
Malaga now sit fifth in the league, three points adrift of the Champions League places.
Joe Fish
