Malaga fell to defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano in Week 10’s opening fixture, thanks to a double from Piti.
An attacking start from the visitors appeared to catch Manuel Pellegrini’s men off-guard, with Piti sweeping home a finish from Leo Baptistao’s drive just after the 10th minute to give Rayo a deserved lead.
However, Rayo were characteristically disorganised at the other end of the pitch and, after unsuccessfully trying in the first half, Malaga equalised early into the second period. Martin Demichelis rose highest for a free-kick to bring the Costa del Sol side level.
From that goal, though, it was Rayo that gathered momentum to once again take the lead through Piti, whose second goal ultimately proved enough to earn Malaga a surprise first home defeat of the season.
