Surprise package Malaga missed a good chance to go fourth in the Spanish Liga on Sunday, being held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by defiant Sevilla, dpa reported.
With just 15 minutes left in Malaga, the hosts were winning 2-0 - thanks to two first-half goals from veteran striker Salva Ballesta - and on their way to fourth place.
But then Malaga had left-back Javier Calleja sent off. And Sevilla managed to salvage a point with late goals from Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano.
"We should really have hung on for the win," said Malaga playmaker Apono, who added that "today's was an important game for us."
Sevilla are third with 51 points, nine behind second-placed Real Madrid, who won 5-2 away to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday and thus maintain the pressure on leaders Barcelona, who are away to Almeria later on Sunday.
In fourth place, six points behind Sevilla, are Villarreal, who are away to Atletico Madrid later on Sunday.
Villarreal have 45 points, Malaga now 43.
Another team who missed the chance to move up on Sunday are Deportivo Coruna, who stay sixth, on 42, after crashing 3-2 away to Sporting Gijon.
Atletico are seventh on 40, level with crisis club Valencia, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Recreativo Huelva on Saturday.
Huelva are now seventh from bottom with 30 points, followed by Betis and Mallorca on 29.
Betis played out a 0-0 draw at home to Osasuna, Mallorca drew 3-3 away to bottom team Espanyol.
Getafe are now fourth from bottom, on 28 points, after a late 1-0 defeat in Valladolid - and coach Victor Munoz is in danger.
Getafe are just two points ahead of third-from-bottom Osasuna. Then come Numancia - who were thrashed 5-0 in Santander - on 23 and hapless Espanyol on 22.