Malaga travelled to face Levante on Saturday knowing that a point would move them into fourth place in the table.
Levante had the lead after 27 minutes when Jose Barkero converted from the spot, but an Isco spot kick levelled proceedings eight minutes before the break.
Isco scored his second moments into the restart when he converted from close range to send the away side into the lead.
Both sides had chances in the latter stages, but Malaga held on to secure the three points, regaining fourth from Valencia in the process.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our second La Liga commentary of the weekend comes from Valencia as Levante welcome Malaga. The home side have managed just six points from their last six games, but Malaga have not fared much better with eight in the same period. A win for Levante this evening would move them into fifth, with the same amount of points as Malaga.
Levante were beaten 3-2 by Espanyol last time out, while recent defeats to Atletico Madrid and Real Betis has seen them lose ground on the teams around them. It could yet be a successful end to the season, however. Their home form is also extremely impressive with seven wins, one draw and just two defeats from 10 matches.
Malaga, meanwhile, currently occupy fourth position in the table. They picked up a 1-1 draw against Real Zaragoza last time out, but they have struggled for form in recent weeks. Their away form has been impressive this season, however, with four wins from their 10 matches on the road. A similar outcome this evening would strengthen their grip on fourth.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Munua; Lell, Navarro, Juanfran, Vyntra; Iborra, Barkero, Rios, Michel; Garcia, Martins
MALAGA: Caballero; Demichelis, Antunes, Sanchez, Gamez; Joaquin, Toulalan, Baptista, Iturra, Isco; Saviola
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a quick note on the main team news, the home side recall Martins to their starting side, while Pedro Rios also comes into the midfield. Malaga, meanwhile, have Julio Baptista in their side this evening. The home side get the action underway.
Decent start to the match from the home side as Iborra collects possession in midfield before attempting to find the run of Martins with a searching pass, but Antunes is across to clear the danger. Malaga attempt a similar pass moments later, but Lell is on hand to clear for a throw.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but a good crowd nonetheless. Neither side has really settled into the opening stages of this match with passes going astray. Valencia's win over Celta Vigo has now moved them into fourth position, leapfrogging Malaga in the process. That has added some more spice to this match.
Levante have just started to take control of the tempo of this match as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Sergio Sanchez, before Caballero comes out to claim the second. You just get the feeling that there isn't going to be too many goals in this match. I am going for a tight Malaga win due to Levante's recent form.
Martins is again involved for Levante as the Nigerian collects possession before driving down the right, but he just runs out of room and Demichelis is across to clear the danger. Malaga enjoy a passing sequence moments later, but Isco cannot find the run of Saviola under pressure from Lell. Not too much to report with eight minutes on the clock.
Malaga attempt to create an opportunity of their own as Antunes drives down the left before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but it just evaded Saviola to move out for a throw. Levante build from the back once more, but they do not take too much care in possession and Toulalan steps in to quell the danger.
Another opportunity comes to the away side as Jesus Gamez fires a high free kick into the penalty area, but Munua rises in the crowd to collect and take the pressure off his defence. A reminder that Valencia picked up all three points against Celta Vigo to move into fourth position in the table earlier today.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes with both teams guilty of putting in some heavy challenges. It is the type of game that could be decided by the odd goal, a result that would certainly aid both teams' European chances. No sign of the opening goal as we stand, however, with chances very much at a premium.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Sevilla. What team will Jose Mourinho pick with their Champions League clash against Manchester United looming large? Let's hope that the opening 16 minutes of that match is better than this one!
CHANCE! The home side's best chance of the match by a country mile comes to Garcia as the striker meets a cross from Martins, but he can only head his effort straight at the goalkeeper. You have to give Caballero credit, but either side of the stopper and that was 1-0.
PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Malaga as Baptista collects possession before driving into the Levante penalty area, he comes into contact with Lell, but the referee is not interested. Replays have suggested that the powerful Brazilian was indeed felled just inside the box. That could be a big moment in this match. Just about 25 minutes of the first period remaining.
Malaga have just started to take control of the possession in this match with Joaquin and Isco combining down the right, but the latter's cross is headed clear by Lell. The pressure remains as the away side move the ball from left to right outside the box, but eventually the attack fizzles out without too much to report.
The end-to-end period in the match continues as Michel collects possession for the home side before driving into the penalty area, but his cross is just too long for Martins and Caballero is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Levante just need to raise their supporters as the first period gathers pace.
CHANCE! Another opportunity comes to the home side as Martins somehow breaks the offside trap before driving one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Caballero is out to make a fine save. He surely has to be the standout performer in that position this season? The Argentine has had a new lease of life.
The pressure continues from the home side as they force a couple of crosses into the Malaga penalty area, but the danger is cleared despite some obvious discomfort. However, Levante have a promising position as Martins drives down the left, forcing a corner.
PENALTY! The home side are awarded a penalty as Sergio Sanchez bundles over Martins in the penalty box. It was slightly soft, but the defender had no right to make that kind of challenge right under the nose of the referee.
GOAL! Levante 1-0 Malaga (Barkero)
The scoring is indeed opened as Barkero steps up before smashing his effort into the top corner. A quick note on penalties in La Liga? I would like to see the conversion record, the standard of the spot kicks is really quite sensational.
Malaga attempt to respond immediately as Joaquin collects possession before firing a high cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Saviola, with Lell on hand to clear. Another chance comes for the home side moments later, but Pedro Rios fires high and wide from distance.
This really is a test of Malaga's credentials, who have struggled for form in recent weeks. Another half-chance comes to Levante as Martins evades the Malaga defence once more, but he cannot fashion a shooting chance. The Nigerian's pace really is causing all sorts of problems at the moment as we surpass the 30-minute mark.
The pressure from Malaga continues as Sanchez looks to make amends by smashing an effort from outside the box, it falls to the feet of Saviola in the box, but the offside flag is raised. The Argentine striker did indeed take the shot, with Munua pulling off a wonderful save. Offside or not! Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Again it's nice football from Malaga as Baptista and Isco work the ball from right to left, but there is just no way through this Levante defence at the moment. They are holding a deep line, which is not allowing Saviola any sort of space. Meanwhile, the closeness of their midfield is negating Isco's threat.
PENALTY! Oh my word. The referee evens the score here in terms of penalties as Malaga are awarded a spot kick of their own. Lell is the challenger as he jumps with Baptista, with the Brazilian falling to the ground. That is very harsh for me.
GOAL! Levante 1-1 Malaga (Isco)
We are indeed all square in this match as Isco thumps his penalty into the top corner. What a sensational effort from the little Spaniard. Both penalties were certainly controversial, but it has been a good response from Malaga. Really good game in Valencia.
Suddenly it's all Malaga as they attack with pace and numbers, with Levante looking like a team who have been caught in the headlights. Isco is again involved as he drives into the box, but Juanfran is across to make a challenge at the vital moment. Little over five minutes of the half to play.
This match really has sparked into life at the moment with the referee called into action to award a couple of free kicks. This is exactly the type of match that has produced red cards this season. Three points for Malaga would move them back into fourth position in the table.
Half-chance for Barkero to score his second as the Spaniard strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Malaga advance immediately down the other end with Joaquin, but the Spaniard loses possession. He has just struggled to get into this match thus far. It must be said that the pitch is looking wonderful this evening.
There has never been a draw in eight previous league meetings between these two sides. But records are there to be broken right?! It would surprise me if there were not more goals in the second period. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Levante 1-1 Malaga
So there we have it. A controversial first period is brought to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Levante were ahead through Barkero after 27 minutes, but Malaga scored with a penalty of their own through Isco to leave the score level at 1-1 with 45 minutes to play.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Malaga have dominated the possession with 65%, but they have had just one attempt in contrast to Levante's five. Both penalties were slightly controversial, but a draw at this point in this match is a fair reflection of what we have seen.
What about the benches for this evening? Levante have a host of attacking options should they so wish with Diop and Pedro Lopez capable of making a difference. Malaga, meanwhile, have Portillo and Roque Santa Cruz in reserve. Both managers can certainly influence proceedings from the bench.
As it stands, Malaga would move into fourth position in the table, while Levante would remain seventh. A loss for Malaga would allow Valencia to remain in the final Champions League spot, but the proximity from fourth to ninth is shown with just four points separating Malaga and Real Sociedad.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not all that surprising at this stage of the match. A reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Real Madrid against Sevilla. Malaga get the half underway.
GOAL! Levante 1-2 Malaga (Isco)
Well, that is some start to the second period. Toulalan carries the ball a long way before finding Isco in the penalty area, the Spaniard takes one touch before drilling his effort into the bottom corner. Just stunning from the 20-year-old, who is a reported target for a host of European clubs.
I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening. Again it's good work Malaga as Saviola combines with Isco before spinning behind the home side's defence, but the Argentine is just given offside. That early goal has certainly silenced the home supporters, it is incredibly important that the fans do not turn.
Another half-chance comes for Malaga as Sanchez is allowed to drive into the Levante half before striking a powerful effort towards goal, but Munua is on hand to make a fine save. Meanwhile, Levante's frustration begins to show as Iborra drives into a challenge with Isco, while Vyntra is booked moments later for the home side.
Really unsavoury atmosphere at the moment as Juanfran is the latest player to have his name taken for the home side. Handbags follows between both sets of players, but the referee is in control of the situation. Baptista's presence is certainly unnerving the home side, who feel that they are not getting too many decisions this evening.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Juanfran finds the head of Rios in the penalty area, but the Spaniard can only head wide of the target. Malaga advance down the other end with Joaquin, but Vyntra is across to make the challenge. All-action football here in Valencia.
The home supporters are appealing every decision at the moment as the referee continues to award free kicks to Malaga. The atmosphere has made this match exactly the type of game that has seen players dismissed this season. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Malaga still lead 2-1.
Half-chance for the home side as Martins dances into the penalty area before heading towards Caballero, but the Malaga goalkeeper is out once more to make a fine save. The tempo is extremely high at the moment in this highly-entertaining La Liga encounter. Have we seen the last of the goals? I would be very surprised if we have.
Again the match threatens to boil over as Juanfran fells Joaquin, which prompts both sets of players to crowd around the referee. Real bad feeling between the two sides at the moment. Carlos Clos takes his time and does not award a red card. Juanfran was a very worried man following that challenge.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for the home side to level the scores as Juanfran whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Antunes is on hand to head clear under the challenge of Martins. Meanwhile, Barkero is the latest Levante player to have his name taken for dissent. They need to be really careful here.
Good grief. The last five minutes of this match has been pure fouling. Each time a challenge comes in, the crowd raises the volume, forcing the referee to take action. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining, but Malaga will not mind if the match continues in this manner. They are the side that are heading back to fourth position as things stand.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the home side as Martins collects possession in the box before striking a powerful effort towards goal, but once more Caballero gets down to make the save. The resulting corner causes problems, but eventually Antunes scrambles clear.
Both teams make changes as Levante replace Garcia and Michel with Juanlu and Valdo. Meanwhile, the away side also make a change as Joaquin is replaced by Lucas Piazon, who is on loan from Chelsea. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and still the home side attack with pace and power.
Another half-chance for the away side as Isco dances past two challenges before driving a low cross into the box, but Piazon cannot make contact under the challenge of Lell. The end-to-end football continues as Martins meets a long pass down the other end, but he cannot find Barkero inside the box. Enthralling stuff in Valencia.
Levante force a free kick down the other end as Sanchez fells Barkero outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by the Spanish midfielder, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar and Malaga remain in the lead. Still no red card, but there is plenty of time for that to happen. And I think it will.
Levante continue to threaten as Martins combines with Garcia before drilling a low cross into the box, but once more the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Malaga make their second change of the evening as Santa Cruz replaces Saviola. You just get the feeling that there is some late drama to come in this match.
The challenges continue to fly in from both sides, with Baptista the latest to put in a heavy tackle on Martins. The former has already been booked, but the referee takes no action. It would have been easy for the referee to produce a couple of red cards this evening, but he has decided to keep all 22 players on the pitch.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and Levante continue to dominate possession in the Malaga half, but they have been unable to find a way through this stern defence. The match has cooled in terms of challenges, but the atmosphere inside the stadium remains electric.
Half-chance for Isco to score his third of the evening as Baptista finds the Spaniard in the box, but Vyntra comes out to make a fine block at the vital moment. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but Valdo comes back to make the clearance.
Malaga make their third and final change of the night as Baptista is replaced by Fernandez. That is another 80 minutes in the bank for the Brazilian, who will surely play a big role for his team this season. Little over five minutes remaining and the away side have possession in the Levante half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession. Levante continue to attack with pace and numbers, but Malaga are comfortable in dealing with the danger. As it stands, the away side would regain fourth position from Valencia.
The home side continue to threaten as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Demichelis before Martins heads the second wide of the target. Malaga break from the second with Isco and he wins a free kick, allowing his side to move up the pitch with three minutes remaining.
Half-chance for the home side as Juanlu advances into the penalty area before meeting a cross from Juanfran, but he can only head wide of the target from close range. Time is just starting to run out as we enter the final few moments. If they are to level this match, then they simply have to score now. The fourth official indicates a minimum of three minutes of stoppage time.
Not too much to report in the final couple of minutes with the match interrupted by a host of challenges once more. Levante continue to throw high balls into the Malaga penalty area, but the away side are comfortable in dealing with the danger. Meanwhile, Piazon wins a free kick deep in the Levante half with little over 30 seconds remaining. This one is all but over folks.
FULL-TIME: Levante 1-2 Malaga
So there we have it. Isco scores twice as Malaga record a 2-1 win over Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for Real Madrid against Sevilla. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
