Racing de Santander 1 : 2 Malaga - Baptista boosts struggling Malaga

Posted Sunday, April 24, 2011 by PA

Malaga moved three points clear of the relegation zone after clinging on for a valuable 2-1 victory at Racing Santander in the Primera Division.

Julio Baptista was again a key figure for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The Brazil forward returned from injury to fire two goals in the 3-0 win at home to Real Mallorca last weekend and was on target again with a stunning strike in this clash to give Malaga the lead after 31 minutes and he also played a big part in his side's second goal - scored by Sebas Fernandez - moments later.

Racing piled on the pressure in the second period and Markus Rosenberg gave the Cantabrians hope with 17 minutes left, but Malaga remained firm to claim all three points and move clear of the bottom three with five games remaining.

Racing had started the day four points better off than Malaga, but the hosts found themselves a goal down after 31 minutes, when Baptista smashed home an unstoppable drive from almost 30 yards out.

It was a fantastic strike from the former Arsenal and Real Madrid man who was then off target with an overhead kick three minutes later, but his mishit effort fell to Fernandez, who headed straight at Tono and was able to fire home the rebound.

Rosenberg side-footed home with 17 minutes left as Racing dominated late on, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute Malaga defending kept the hosts at bay and ensured a vital victory for the Andalusians.

Racing and Malaga are now 14th and 15th, four and three points above the drop zone, respectively.