Samuel Garcia struck the only goal of the game to lift Malaga up to sixth in La Liga with a 1-0 win at home to Celta Vigo.

It was the visitors who made all the running early on and Fabian Orellana went close on 16 minutes, but Carlos Kameni proved equal to his effort.

Celta's early pressure counted for little, however, as Malaga moved ahead on 21 minutes.

Former Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz floated an inviting cross into the box and Garcia rose highest to plant his header beyond the helpless Sergio Alvarez.

It might have been two just after the half-hour mark as Santa Cruz expertly controlled a dropping ball before looking for the far corner, but Alvarez tipped away in the nick of time.

Javi Garcia's side continued to dominate after the interval and Garcia went close again on 57 minutes by fizzing a low shot just wide of Alvarez's post.

Recio then replaced Duda and the Malaga midfielder almost had an immediate impact, dragging a shot over the bar on 77 minutes.

The one-way traffic showed no signs of abating, and Arthur Boka should have ended the game as a contest, but his weak effort was gathered by Alvarez in what proved the last chance of the game.