Two goals from Isco have handed Malaga a 2-1 win over Levante in La Liga this evening.
The hosts provided the first real chance of the match when Obafemi Martins's cross was met by Ruben Garcia, but the striker could only direct his effort straight at Wilfredo Caballero.
Caballero was called upon again in the 26th minute when Martins beat the offside trap to set up a one-on-one, but the Argentine keeper was equal to the striker's effort.
He could do nothing about the opener one minute later, however, as Sergio Sanchez bundled Martins over inside the box. The referee blew for a penalty, which was duly dispatched by Barkero.
Malaga were awarded a spot kick of their own 10 minutes later when Christian Lell was adjudged to have fouled Julio Baptista inside the box. Isco made no mistake from the spot to level the scores.
Isco got a second just a minute after the restart, drilling his effort into the bottom corner having been found by Jeremy Toulalan.
Martins came close to finding an equaliser for the hosts in the 67th minute when he worked space to shoot from inside the box, only to see his powerful strike saved by Caballero.
Malaga held out, however, to move to within three points of Real Madrid in the Primera Division table.
Barney Corkhill
