Madrid: Malaga moved into third place in the Spanish La Liga after a routine 3-0 victory at home against Racing Santander.

The result was rarely in doubt after the third minute when Racing found themselves down to 10 men after referee Del Cerro Grande sent off full back Francis Perez for dangerous play, Xinhua reported

Former Valencia youngster Izco opened the scoring Monday after 21 minutes with a powerful shot from inside the visitors' penalty area.

Racing rarely threatened, but it was not until the 63rd minute until Malaga secured three points. This time it was Spain international Santi Cazorla who got on the scoresheet with a simple finish following good work from midfielder Enzo Maresca.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy rounded off the nights' scoring six minutes from time with a trademark header.

The win lifts Malaga above Valencia who Sunday drew 0-0 away to Real Madrid. Malaga's next match is away to struggling Villarreal Thursday night. (IANS)