Sevilla ease past Malaga to reach fourth in La Liga

Sevilla have returned to the top four in La Liga after easing to a 2-0 victory over Malaga in the Andalusian derby.

A bright start from both sides suggested that the game would be played in open fashion, with Samu Castillejo testing Sevilla goalkeeper Beto with a powerful strike from distance early on.

Carlos Bacca proved to be a constant threat to the Malaga defence, but he twice missed good chances as he struck a weak effort at Carlos Kameni, before seeing the Cameroonian goalkeeper push his next attempt past the post later in the first half.

However, Kameni was left helpless as Bacca broke the deadlock with a fine low finish after being picked out in the box by Gerard Deulofeu.

Sevilla thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half, but Bacca was incorrectly given offside as he squared the ball for Ever Banega to fire home.

The hosts would find their second goal in spectacular fashion as Denis Suarez evaded a couple of challenges in a powerful run from midfield before exchanging passes with Bacca and slotting past a helpless Kameni.

Malaga continued to struggle in attacking areas, and the defence were still unable to get to grips with Bacca, who saw another one of his efforts sting the palms of the visiting shot-stopper.

There would be no late response from the visitors as Sevilla collected all three points to put the pressure on third-placed Atletico Madrid.