Santander, Spain, Nov 22: Malaga's quest to qualify for Europe received a boost on Monday when the ambitious club scored three second-half goals to beat Racing Santander 3-1 in the Spanish league.
Malaga rose to fifth in the standings after the victory at El Sardinero stadium, a position that would ensure the Qatar-owned club advanced to the Europa League if maintained at season's end.
Francisco “Isco” Alarcon put Malaga ahead in the 48th minute, and Santander's Alvaro Gonzalez scored an own-goal in the 65th for the visitors to extend their lead.
Santander struck back when Manuel Arana unleashed a shot past goalkeeper Willy Caballero five minutes later.
But Malaga forward Sebastian Fernandez volleyed in Ruud van Nistelrooy's cross with a minute remaining.
