Result: Malaga 2-1 Villarreal

Goals from Isco and Jeremy Toulalan helped Malaga to another home victory as they beat Villarreal 2-1 at La Rosaleda tonight.

Frenchman Toulalan gave Malaga an early lead when he found space to head in at the near post from Santi Cazorla's corner.

The visitors replied in quick time when striker Ruben was played through and slotted home calmly from 12 yards.

The Andalucia outfit restored their advantage before half time when Isco reacted well to tap in after Diego Lopez parried Rodon's shot.

Goalscorer Toulalan was then sent off for the home side for two bookings in 10 second-half minutes but Malaga's 10 men hung on to secure the points.

Manuel Pellegrini's side climb above Sevilla to fifth in the table while Villarreal remain 12th.