Málaga are up to fourth place in La Liga, level on points with third placed Valencia, after coming from behind to beat Espanyol 1-2.
Two second half goals within two minutes from van Nistelrooy and Demichelis secured victory, and fourth place, for the Blue and Whites. Philippe Coutinho was the scorer for the home side.
Levante, who could have moved above Málaga, lost 0-2 to Osasuna and are now three points adrift in fifth place. Garcia and Nino were the goalscorers for Osasuna.