Celta Vigo 1 - 0 Malaga: Celta Vigo secure Europa League spot with slender win

Celta Vigo secured their place in next season's Europa League with a 1-0 win over Malaga.

Nolito scored the only goal of the game at the Balaidos to move Celta into fifth spot and give them an unassailable lead over seventh-placed Sevilla in the race for European football.

Daniel Wass almost put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute but his low shot to the left corner was kept out by an excellent save from Malaga goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Nolito scored the decisive goal for Eduardo Berizzo's men 12 minutes later.

The forward connected with Fabian Orellana's pass to slot his 12th goal of the campaign into an empty net from close range.

Malaga responded and came close to equalising when midfielder Recio's free-kick from distance was saved by Celta goalkeeper Ruben Blanco.

Nolito was denied a second goal of the game five minutes before the break when Ochoa repelled his effort.

Ignacio Camacho had two opportunities to equalise early in the second half but his first effort was superbly saved by Blanco before the midfielder wastefully volleyed over from inside the box.

Mexcian goalkeeper Ochoa then prevented Iago Aspas from sealing the game for Celta.

Spain international Camacho had further chances to earn the visitors a point but the home side held on to secure three important points from a tight contest.