Malaga 2-1 Real Mallorca

Malaga's miserable campaign took a turn for the better, as they beat in-form Real Mallorca.

This was the Andalucians' first league victory since the opening day of the season.

Fernando Fernandez gave Malaga the lead halfway through the first period and although Mallorca hit back through Julio Alvarez 11 minutes after the break, Fernando Forestieri struck the winner late on to secure a rare success for the Andalusians.

Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz's men beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 on the opening weekend of the season.

But that was way back in August and Malaga have been very poor since then, losing seven of their 14 league matches prior to this one.

There had been recent signs of improvement though, with the Andalusians drawing five games in a row before this match.

That kept them in touch with the teams above them and following Zaragoza's 6-0 defeat at Real Madrid yesterday, Malaga knew a win would move them up a place to 18th in the table.

But the home side almost went behind early on, when Alhassane Keita beat Gustavo Munua, but Jesus Gamez got back to clear off his line.

But they settled after that and there was little to choose between the two sides in the remainder of the first half.

Crucially for Malaga, though, the breakthrough went their way after 23 minutes.

Mallorca keeper Dudu Aouate made a mess of his attempted clearance and the ball fell to Fernando, who was able to slot home easily from close range.

It was a much-needed slice of luck for Malaga.

But they had Munua to thank for remaining on level terms shortly after the break.

The Uruguayan keeper stood firm and saved well in a one-on-one with Keita, and Malaga stayed in front.

But Mallorca began to come back into the game.

The islanders started the day in fifth place, although the great majority of their points have come at Son Moix, where they have a perfect record so far.

Gregorio Manzano's side have been improving on the road, though, and secured their first away success last weekend, with a gritty 1-0 win at Osasuna.

They equalised after 56 minutes, when Alvarez smashed a fierce drive past Munua after Ivan Gonzalez has cleverly knocked on Gonzalo Castro's cross.

Ivan Ramis then almost put the visitors ahead, but the midfielder's header was brilliantly kept out by Munua.

Following opportunities for both sides, Forestieri then headed Malaga back in front 20 minutes later.

But the Andalusians almost threw it away in the last minute, when Aritz Aduriz was allowed far too much time and space in the area.

Munua was the hero again, though, twice saving from the Basque forward to ensure his side a first win in six, and a much-needed boost ahead of the winter break.

For Mallorca, this will seem like a missed opportunity to move into the top four, although the islanders remain very much in contention for a place in Europe next season.