Real Betis have boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Malaga on Saturday.
It was the home side who started the better and Isco tested Fabricio after just three minutes with an effort from outside the box.
Malaga again came close after 18 minutes via Santiago Cazorla, but his effort was blocked inside the area with the home side dominating play.
Salomon Rondon twice came close to handing Malaga the lead as the first period drew to a close, but he was denied by Fabricio before firing wide.
Despite their lack of possession, Betis somehow found themselves 1-0 ahead after 40 minutes when Ruben Castro headed a Benat cross into the back of the net before Chechu Dorado handed the away side a 2-0 lead moments before the interval.
Duda twice came close for the home side in the early stages of the second period, but he fired wide after good work from Cazorla.
Iriney so nearly added the away side's third after 60 minutes, but he struck high and wide after a quick break from Betis.
Malaga continued to dominate possession in the latter stages of the match, enjoying 70% of the ball, but they just could not find the decisive strike as Betis held on for a welcome three points.
Matt Law
