Villareal find way past Malaga

Villareal find way past Malaga

Villarreal moved off the bottom of the Primera Division with a win over fellow strugglers Malaga in what was a first league victory for Ernesto Valverde's side at the eighth time of asking.

Villarreal had been expected to compete for a place in the Champions League despite changing coach in the summer, when Valverde replaced Real Madrid-bound Manuel Pellegrini.

But Valverde found himself under pressure following a dreadful start to the season which had seen the 'Yellow Submarine' pick up just three points from seven games.

Another defeat at home to Malaga may have spelt the end for the former Espanyol coach, but Valverde saw his side go ahead through Nilmar after 27 minutes of play.

And although Albert Luque equalised at the very end of the first half, Valverde saw his side take all three points for the first time in his reign thanks to a Joan Capdevila free-kick after 54 minutes.

There was a blow for Valverde as Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla was deemed unfit to take part in this match, and the winger was not even on the bench for Villarreal.

But the home side began well in his absence and created the first chance of note after 10 minutes, when Cani wrong-footed his marker on the edge of the area and lashed a powerful drive towards goal, only to see Malaga keeper Gustavo Munua make a fine reflex save.

There were few real chances for either side in truth, but Villarreal took the lead with their next decent opportunity.

That came after 27 minutes, when Nilmar swept home Damian Escudero's far-post cross from close range to bring relief to his team-mates, Valverde and the suffering El Madrigal faithful.

Malaga should have levelled five minutes later, but Luque and Nabil Baha both made a mess of their attempts after Jesus Gamez had sent in an inviting cross.

It was a let-off for Villarreal and the visitors should have gone two up after 36 minutes, but Nilmar was unable to get the touch needed to divert Cani's cross-shot past Munua.

Joseba Llorente then headed just wide after 43 minutes as Villarreal continued to threaten, but they received a huge psychological blow as Malaga equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Fernando Fernandez picked out Luque with a fine far-post cross and the former Newcastle forward headed past Diego Lopez to ensure the sides went in level at the break.

It was the worst possible time to concede for Villarreal and the home side will have been kicking themselves during the interval.

But Capdevila restored the locals' advantage when he blasted home from a free-kick nine minutes into the second half.

Both sides had good chances after that, but Villarreal held on for an important win which sees them leapfrog Malaga and move up to 18th place in the table.

Malaga, meanwhile, are now bottom with just six points, two less than Villarreal.