Getafe boosted their hopes of La Liga survival with a dogged win over Malaga at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in a game that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.
The hosts took the lead inside seven minutes when Ciprian Marica set up Adrian Colunga, who found the bottom corner of Willy Caballero's net.
However, Marica was soon the villain as he was sent off for a second bookable offence before half time.
Malaga looked for an equaliser before the break and came close when Roque Santa Cruz saw his fizzing effort come back off the right-hand post.
The visitors continued to threaten after the interval with Juanmi and Samuel being denied a goal in quick succession as Getafe's resilient defence looked set to be breached.
Malaga continued to press, but their hopes of drawing level were dealt a huge blow when Marcos Angeleri was sent off for a second yellow card.
Getafe were able to hold on for a win that pulls them three points clear of the drop zone, although both Osasuna and Real Valladolid below them have games in hand.
Chris O'Keefe
