Ricardo Costa's second-half goal has ensured that Valencia open their La Liga campaign with a 1-0 win over Malaga.

Fernando Tissone had a good opportunity to put Malaga ahead in the 13th minute but he failed to hit the target with a fee header.

Valencia took a while to settle down but when they did, they looked assured in possession and came close to opening the scoring when Ever Banega fired in a shot to test Wilfredo Caballero's reactions.

Neither side showed any signs of taking a backward step as both Adil Rami and Sergi Darder threatened for their respective sides shortly before the break.

Valencia were gifted the opening goal in the 65th minute when Caballero failed to collect a cross, allowing Costa to convert the ball into an empty net.

Helder Postiga should have doubled his side's but he failed to hit the target with his header after finding himself with plenty of space inside the box.

Malaga searched for a way back into the contest at the Mestalla but it was Valencia who finished the stronger of the two sides as the hosts secured the victory.