JOIN USMalaga boosted their chances of securing a place in next season’s Champions League when they came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Espanyol and draw level on points with third-placed Valencia on Sunday.
The Qatar-owned club fell behind in the 24th minute to a Philippe Coutinho strike before former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Ruud van Nistelrooy netted a 75th-minute equaliser moments after coming off the bench.
Malaga snatched the winner two minutes later when Espanyol goalkeeper Francisco Casilla saved Salomon Rondon’s header only for Martin Demichelis to smash the loose ball into the net.
The victory lifted the Andalusians into Spain’s fourth Champions League qualification place above Levante, who were beaten 2-0 at home to an Osasuna side also in the running.
With nine games remaining, Valencia hold on to third on 47 points thanks to a superior goal difference over Malaga and Levante stay three points behind and drop to fifth.
Real Madrid have 75 points and Barca, chasing a fourth successive La Liga title, have 69, 22 ahead of Valencia and Malaga.
Gijon scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao, while Santander also came from behind to earn a point in a 1-1 stalemate at Real Betis.
Bilbao are 10th on 38 points and Marcelo Bielsa’s side are without a win in three matches.
Villarreal’s 2-0 win at Rayo Vallecano lifted them to 16th above Granada, who host 12th-placed Sevilla on Monday.