A first-half goal was enough for Malaga to seal a 1-0 win over 10-man Elche in La Liga this evening.

Ruben Perez carved out an early chance for the home side, but it was Malaga who claimed the lead, as Ignacio Camacho headed in from a Duda free kick just six minutes into the meeting.

Elche increased their intensity as they searched for a quick equaliser with Coro trying to set up Richmond Boakye, before Edu Albacar tested the visitors' defence.

Boakye had a good chance to get Elche back on level terms shortly before the half-time whistle, as he burst into the box before pulling the ball back for Coro, who could only hit it straight to Wilfredo Caballero.

Edu tried to pick out the striker just before the break, but once again the Malaga keeper was on hand, ensuring that the visitors went in ahead.

Boakye continued to prove a threat at the start of the second half, but Elche's search for an equaliser was hampered by the dismissal of Damian Suarez on the hour mark after the defender picked up his second yellow card of the night.

Duda came close to extending Malaga's advantage shortly after, but his free kick drifted just wide of the post.

Camacho tried to set the striker up for another chance later in the half, but his shot made for an easy save by the Elche keeper.

The home side continued to attack late on, despite missing a man, but rarely managed to penetrate the Malaga defence in the second half.