Málaga 1 - Deportivo 1

Málaga: Contreras; Josemi, Litos, Fernando Sanz, Roteta; Gerardo, Romero, Miguel Angel, Musampa; Darío Silva (Sandro 71'), Dely Valdés (Canabal 81'). 4-4-2.
Deportivo: Molina; Héctor, Donato, Naybet, Romero; Mauro Silva (Helder 76'), Sergio (José Manuel 64'); Makaay, Valerón, Fran (Amavisca 60'); Diego Tristán. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Málaga: Darío Silva for Canabal / Deportivo: Héctor for Scaloni.

Goals:
1-0. 32. Darío Silva. Left foot shot from outside area which bent away from Molina.
1-1. 78. Naybet. Shot wide of Contreras after Valerón chipped pass set him up.

Deportivo La Coruña started the last game of the day at Málaga knowing that a victory would take them back to the top of the table. However in the end they could only manage a draw, leaving Real Madrid and Betis heading the table. Having been gifted a pass through to the last eight of the cup by Hospitalet's decision not to play the tie, Irureta could count on a fully rested squad, and he opted for the same block of players who beat Valencia the week before, only bringing in the more defensive Héctor for Scaloni at right back. For once though Diego Tristán was off target, and he wasted a couple of good chances, including one in the seventh minute. Darío Silva returned to the Málaga side after shaking off a bout of flu, and once again he proved decisive, beating Molina with a spectacular shot from outside of the area midway through the half. Darío dedicated the goal to his wife and daughter, who thankfully are on their way to recovery after a frightening car crash.

Deportivo started well after the break, with Makaay firing a volley straight at keeper Contreras and Sergio hitting the post from a long way out. The ex Espanyol midfielder was clearly upset when he was substituted a few minutes later, and Depor ended with Donato playing in the defensive midfield role after Mauro Silva limped off towards the end. Málaga could have extended their lead later in the second half if Dely Valdés and then his replacement Canabal had not dithered too long when presented with scoring chances, and Litos sent a looping shot just over the bar. But then Naybet got the equaliser twelve minutes from the end after Valerón put him through, beating the offside trap as Gato Romero failed to move out with the rest. It was not the result Depor expected but at least it meant their first point away from home in five games, and they stay fourth, only a point behind the leaders. Málaga are twelfth, in the middle of a group of nine clubs separated by only four points.