JOIN USThe former Villarreal and Real Madrid boss was presented in Malaga on Friday following the sacking of Jesualdo Ferreira earlier in the week, and will not take over the team until Sunday.
Malaga's ‘B’ team coach Rafa Gil was left in charge for the trip to Barcelona, but there was little he could have done about Javi Marquez's stunning 30-metre strike within minutes of the start.
Espanyol maintained their 100 percent home record, despite being under pressure during the second half, and climbed to fourth with 18 points from 10 matches, five short of Real Madrid. Malaga notched their seventh match without a win in all competitions and remained 18th with seven points.
Jose Mourinho's unbeaten leaders host neighbours Atletico Madrid in the city derby at the Bernabeu on Sunday, while second-placed Barcelona visit Getafe. Earlier, Real Sociedad striker Joseba Llorente scored after seven minutes to give the promoted Basque club a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander.