Malaga remain in fourth spot in La Liga after a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday.

It was the away side who started the better and they might have taken the lead after nine minutes with an effort from Antoine Griezmann, but he fired wide.

Xabi Prieto was next to come close for Sociedad after 13 minutes, but his effort from outside the box was blocked by Nacho Monreal.

Malaga took the lead, however, after 19 minutes when Isco found the bottom corner from outside the box after smart work from Martin Demichelis.

Santiago Cazorla might have doubled Malaga's lead just before the 30-minute mark, but he fired wide.

Carlos Vela came close for the away side late in the half, but his powerful effort was blocked.

It got worse for Sociedad late in the half, however, when Mikel Gonzalez was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Sociedad levelled the match moments into the second period, however, when Prieto found the bottom corner following a free-kick.

Malaga continued to carve out openings as the half developed, however, and Sebastien Fernandez and Jesus Gamez both came close just before the 60-minute mark in the match.

Monreal was next to come close for the home side after 67 minutes, but his effort from outside the box was blocked.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy had a glorious chance to send Malaga into the lead after 73 minutes, but his header from close range was saved by Claudio Bravo.

It was the home side who continued to dominate in the latter stages, but they could not make the breakthrough, as both shared the points.