Malaga were left clinging onto fourth place in the Primera Liga and the prospect of UEFA Champions League football next season after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna.
The result means Malaga have taken only eight of 18 possible points in their last six La Liga matches, and they are now only three points clear of fifth-placed Levante as they go into a difficult run-in that includes fixtures against Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. They found themselves trailing to hosts, who are chasing Europa League football themselves, when Francisco Nino opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Santi Cazorla levelled quarter of an hour later but there was no turnaround for Malaga who have now gone three games without a win.
Osasuna, who knew a victory would put them level with Levante, began brightly to keep Malaga firmly on the back foot. Nino, Francisco Punal and David Timor all had early efforts on goal while Javad Nekounamblasted over. Malaga had to wait until the 34th minute for their first sight on goal but Cazorla's effort was charged down by Damia Abella. Moments later, Nacho Monreal struck the post as Malaga's recent luck showed little sign of changing. It did at least encourage the visitors as they began to pour forward.
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