Malaga's push for a Europa League spot has taken a blow following a 2-1 defeat at home to lowly Almeria this evening.

The visitors took a first-half lead at La Rosaleda when Tomer Hemed converted Verza's floated set piece into the box.

Garcia Samuel really should have leveled things up shortly before the interval after being picked out inside the opposition area, although he saw his shot kept out by Julian.

Malaga did manage to get on level terms with a little under 20 minutes remaining when Samuel curled an effort in off the inside of the post, but they were unable to hold onto their share of the spoils for too long.

Just two minutes later Miguel Torres brought down Hemed inside the box to give away a penalty, and the Israel international duly converted from the spot to set the Rojiblancos on their way to a much-needed win.

A second yellow card shown to Michel left Almeria nervously looking over their shoulders in the final stages of the game, but they were able to hold on to claim all three points in the end.

Juan Ignacio Martinez's charges climb up to 14th place in the league table with this victory, while Malaga remain one point outside the divison's top six.