The Blue and Whites scored four goals but still managed to lose as Hércules knocked in five in the second half, six in total.
Hidalgo scored a hat-trick, one from the penalty spot, and Rosado bagged another but it wasn’t enough to stop Málaga C.F. registering another disappointing result in the final few matches. Promotion was virtually assured a little while ago, barring accidents. And there seem to be plenty of accidents about at the moment and the Blue and Whites are attracting them like a magnet.
Ismael (2), Sendoa, Vélez, Farinós (Penalty and Tote did the damage, with five goals clattering into the Málaga net during the second period.
Sporting Gijón are now second in Division Two after a 0-0 draw at home to Salamanca and Málaga slip to third. Real Sociedad are now only one point behind the Blue and Whites following a 3-1 win over Granada 74 and must now fancy their chances of ousting Málaga from the third promotion spot.
Meanwhile, leaders Numancia clinched promotion to La Liga with a point from a 0-0 draw with Alavés.