An Ignacio Camacho header was enough to give Malaga a 1-0 victory over Zaragoza on Saturday and maintain the southern club's unbeaten start to the season.
Camacho stooped to knock the ball in at the near post from a corner 11 minutes after half time as Malaga move on to seven points at the end of a week in which they qualified for the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.
It has been an unsettling summer for Malaga following owner Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani's decision to listen to offers for the club and the departure of several star names including Santi Cazorla, who joined Arsenal.
But the team has rallied and the financial reward for qualifying for the next round of the Champions League has allowed the club to reinforce with Javier Saviola and Roque Santa Cruz among the players arriving this week.
Zaragoza started the stronger at La Romareda and Romaric had a shot from distance well saved by 'keeper Willy Caballero before the Ivorian midfielder missed a glorious chance, with the goal gaping, midway through the half.
With Eliseu looking dangerous down the left wing, Malaga grew into the contest and took the lead after 56 minutes when Camacho pounced following some slack defending.
Earlier, newly-promoted Celta Vigo picked up their first points of the season with a 2-0 win over ten-man Osasuna in Galicia.
Augusto Fernandez crossed for Iago Aspas to head the hosts in front after 68 minutes before Mario Bermejo sealed the win in injury time after Osasuna had been reduced to 10 men following the sending-off of defender Alejandro Arribas.
On Sunday, Real Madrid return to league action against Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu following their domestic Super Cup victory over Barcelona needing to up their level after picking up just one point from two matches.
It means they are already five points behind Barcelona, with the Catalans out to maintain their perfect record when they entertain Valencia.
In a late piece of business before the transfer window closed, Madrid coach Jose Mourinho brought in Michael Essien on loan from Chelsea as Lassana Diarra headed for Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.
"There were a few phone calls. Lass had an offer which couldn't be refused and then Essien, who is a player the coach (Mourinho) has confidence in because he was with him at Chelsea, arrived," said Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka.
"I think the move will work out for him as he is a great professional."
Source: AFP
