Javier Saviola, Joaquin and Francisco Portillo were on target as Malaga beat Levante 3-1 at La Rosaleda on Saturday afternoon.
Manuel Pellegrini's men warmed up for their Champions League bow against Zenit St Petersburg in midweek by maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Argentine striker Saviola led the line for the hosts and set them on their way with the opening goal in the 26th minute.
The home side also saw appeals for a penalty turned down when Saviola fell to the ground inside the area under pressure from Sergio Ballesteros, and Levante were back level shortly after the restart courtesy of Michel.
However, Joaquin restored Malaga’s lead soon after and, in spite of Sergio Sanchez’s sending-off, Francisco Portillo wrapped up the points for the hosts in stoppage time at the end of the game.
Malaga have now won three and drawn one of their opening four games, and move provisionally top of the table ahead of the rest of the weekend’s games.
