Three times the Blue and Whites took the lead against Real Madrid only to end up on the wrong side of a 4-3 scoreline.
Eliseu opened the scoring for Málaga after only six minutes, but Higuain equalised two minutes later. Baha then put the Blue and Whites back in front only to see Higuain equalise a few minutes later from the penalty spot.
Apoño restored Málaga’s lead at the beginning of the second half, another penalty decision, but Higuain was on target again one minute later to complete his hat-trick before scoring the winner with twelve minutes of the match remaining.
Barcelona made it eight wins in a row with a 6-0 hammering of Valladolid. Samuel Eto’o helped himself to four goals in the first half, with Gudjohnsen and Henry completing the rout in the second half.