Juanmi scored the only goal as Malaga won 1-0 away to struggling Real Sociedad in the Primera Division.
The playmaker found the net from close range as a lacklustre game entered its final 20 minutes, and it was enough to seal maximum points.
The result leaves Malaga just a point outside the European places in seventh while Sociedad, with only one win all season, are just one place and one point above the relegation zone.
Vitorino Antunes' fourth-minute free-kick was fielded by Sociedad keeper Enaut Zubikarai but there was a long lull in terms of goalmouth action before David Zurutuza's header clipped the top of the crossbar.
Yuri Berchiche's foul on Roberto Rosales brought the first of a spate of yellow cards, the Sociedad defender followed into the book before half-time by team-mate Zurutuza and Malaga pair Samuel Garcia and Sergi Darder.
Malaga lost Sergio Sanchez to injury early in the second half, Miguel Torres taking his place.
Sergio Canales' free-kick for Sociedad picked out Jon Ansotegui, who headed over from six yards in the best chance of the game to that point.
Pablo Hervais and Berchiche had long-range shots blocked before the breakthrough finally came at the other end in the 72nd minute.
A swift breakaway move involving Weligton and Amrabat ended with Juanmi finding the top corner from six yards out with his left foot.
Sociedad immediately responded by introducing the creativity of Esteban Granero, with Berchiche the man to make way.
Corners from Hervais and Granero created chances for Inigo Martinez and Imanol Agirretxe respectively, but both players sent six-yard efforts over the bar.
And there ended the threat of an equaliser, with Darder twice going close to a second Malaga goal including a shot against the post in stoppage time.
ends