Villarreal go above Barcelona and Atletico Madrid into third place in La Liga after winning 1-0 away from home against Malaga this evening.
Duda tried his luck from very long range early on for Malaga but his strike was comfortably saved by Villarreal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Leo Baptistao then had two opportunities to put the Yellow Submarine ahead, but the Brazilian put his first effort wide and then a second moments later was hit straight at Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.
Mario came close just before half time but the defender could not direct his close-range header on goal.
Villarreal then went ahead with 20 minutes remaining when Fernando Tissone headed Dennis Suarez's free kick past Kameni and into his own goal.
Duje Cop and Duda missed several chances for Malaga to get back in the game as they went all-out attack in the final stages, but Villarreal hung on to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
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The win keeps Villarreal in the Champions League places while Malaga remain second from bottom in La Liga.
