A second-half goal by Martin Demichelis and an Eliseu penalty gave Malaga a 2-0 victory over Sevilla in a game the hosts dominated.
The hosts created a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the fourth minute when Alvaro Negredo tore the Malaga defence apart and rounded the keeper, only to hit the post.
Michel Gonzalez's side came close again in the 14th minute. Negredo's low shot was palmed away by Malaga keeper Wilfredo Caballero and Jesus Navas failed to put away the rebound.
The one-way traffic continued as Weligton Oliveira produced a vital block to prevent Geoffrey Kondogbia's dangerous ball from being turned over the line on 24 minutes.
Sevilla were left ruing their squandered chances shortly after the restart when Demichelis climbed highest in the penalty area to head Malaga in front.
The home side had a strong penalty shout turned down on 54 minutes when Ivan Rakitic went tumbling in the area, but the referee waved away his protests.
It was a penalty decision at the other end that was the nail in Sevilla's coffin. Federico Fazio was given his marching orders for pulling down Joaquin in the area and Eliseu buried the resulting spot-kick for 2-0.
Even with ten men Sevilla continued to press, seeing plenty of possession inside their opponent's half, but fate appeared to be against them on the night.
As the full-time whistle sounded, Gonzalez's men were left wondering just how they managed to lose this game.
Mark Langshaw
