Jeremy Toulalan was both the hero and the villain, but Malaga earned a 2-1 win over Villarreal to move up to fifth in the Primera Liga.
Toulalan scores opener, but also sees red
Jeremy Toulalan was both the hero and the villain, but Malaga earned a 2-1 win over Villarreal to move up to fifth in the Primera Liga.
Toulalan scored the opener, however, he also being sent off for two yellow cards, althought the result also saw Villarreal's improved form come to an end, with Marco Ruben's strike mere consolation.
Malaga made a dream start, going ahead in the fourth minute thanks to a close-range header by Toulalan.
Villarreal replied within 12 minutes, Ruben sending a right-footed shot into the top-left corner of the goal.
Both sides continued to attack and Hernan Perez sent in a header for the visitors before Alarcon Isco fired in a 20-yard shot which was comfortably held by Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Clear-cut chances
However, there were few clear-cut chances until the hosts regained the lead five minutes before half-time.
Jose Salomon Rondon drilled in a left-footed shot which was parried, with Isco on hand to pounce on the ball and slot home into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.
Santi Cazorla fired in a 20-yard shot for Malaga, while Ruben sent in a header which was held by goalkeeper Caballero Willy.
Villarreal's bid to equalise appeared to be aided when the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Toulalan was sent off following his second yellow card for a foul on Perez and from the resulting free-kick Borja Valero hit the bar with a 20-yard shot.
But the visitors failed to find an equaliser before the final whistle, as their three-match unbeaten league run came to an end.
