Espanyol have climbed into the top half of La Liga after Hernan Perez scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Malaga.

Perez led the way with a first-half brace for the hosts, and it was the Paraguayan who struck first with a powerful low finish after cutting onto his left foot in the box.

The lead was doubled in just the 20th minute as a cross evaded a number of players in the box before reaching Perez, who displayed composure to fire in a half-volley at the back post.

Malaga should have reduced the deficit before the break when a long ball over the top was collected by Charles, but Pau Lopez responded well with a fine save to deny the striker.

The visitors continued to improve as the match progressed, and they threatened again early in the second half when Nordin Amrabat fired over from the edge of the box.

Espanyol should have killed the game off moments later when Victor Alvarez found the space to deliver a cross to Perez, whose hopes of a hat-trick were sent over by a poor header.

Charles was involved in the majority of Malaga's attacks and he was left frustrated once again when a header drifted inches over the crossbar.

Despite being pushed back for long spells, Espanyol looked in control of the game, and they eased to the win after Malaga's Ricardo Horta had rattled the post with a powerful strike to come close to setting up a dramatic finish.