Malaga have kept the pressure on their rivals for European qualification by recording a 3-1 La Liga victory over Getafe at La Rosaleda.

A promising start was rewarded in just the 10th minute when Roberto Rosales found the space to pick out Juanmi, who powered his header home to give the hosts the lead.

Malaga dominated for much of the first half and wasted chances to add to their advantage before the break as Jonathan Lopez kept out a curling effort from Samuel Castillejo, before Juanmi came agonisingly close to scoring his second when he slid in an attempt to meet a cross at the back post.

Getafe improved in the second half and were back on level terms when Pedro Leon sprinted into space on the wing before delivering a cross which was converted by Alvaro Vazquez from close range.

However, the hosts were back in front two minutes later thanks to a ferocious effort from Sergi Darder, who unleashed a powerful strike to find the top corner from outside the box.

It looked as though the result was beyond doubt with just over 20 minutes remaining when Ricardo Horta connected with a bicycle kick to leave Lopez helpless.

Getafe would set up a tense finish when Vazquez fired home from a corner, after being gifted room at the back post, but Malaga held on to leave the visitors just four points above the relegation zone.