The Blue and Whites came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at CD Tenerife, another club struggling so far this season.
Martinez and Aldaro gave Tenerife a two goal lead within 26 minutes but Edinho managed to pull one back a few minutes later and then a 77th minute goal from Javi Lopez earned Málaga a much needed draw.
The draw moves the Blue and Whites to the dizzy heights of second from bottom of La Liga, but they could well slip again if Xerez manage a draw on Sunday.
Barcelona cruised to a 4-2 win over Mallorca at the Camp Nou to keep them top of the pile, Pedro scoring two, Henry getting one and Messi grabbing a late penalty. Nunez and Keita were on the score sheet for Mallorca.