La Liga: Racing 1 Malaga 3

Malaga climbed to fifth in La Liga after securing a 3-1 win away to Racing Santander on Monday.

Visitors Malaga eased into a two-goal lead at El Sardinero, thanks to Isco’s strike and an Alvaro Gonzalez own goal.

Racing pulled one back through Manuel Arana with 20 minutes remaining.

But Manuel Pellegrini’s side secured all three points when Sebastian Fernandez netted with a minute remaining.

Malaga dictated terms during the first half, but were unable to capitalize on their dominance, with Salomon Rondon and Fernandez both guilty of wasting chances.

Hector Cuper’s hosts were lucky to still be level at the break, and the second half was only three minutes old when they did fall behind.

Malaga launched a lightning counterattack in the 48th minute, ending in attacking midfielder Isco calmly slotting home the opening goal.

They were soon 2-0 ahead, when Gonzalez put the ball into his net on 65 minutes.

The closing exchanges were made interesting when winger Arana scored following a quick breakaway for Racing.

But the home side proved unable to force the equaliser in the time remaining.

And forward Fernandez put the result beyond doubt when he made it 3-1 on 89 minutes.

Malaga move up to fifth, three points behind Levante and two ahead of second-placed Sevilla.

Racing meanwhile remain inside the relegation zone.

They face an important clash away to fellow strugglers Mallorca on Sunday, while Malaga host Villarreal on Monday.