Alen Halilovic on target as Sporting Gijon edge past Malaga

Alen Halilovic again demonstrated his importance to Sporting Gijon by scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win at home to Malaga.

The Croatia international's low drive after 27 minutes takes the Asturians up to 12th in the Primera Division with 12 points, while Malaga slip down to one place above the relegation zone.

The acquisition of Halilovic on a season's loan from Barcelona is proving to be a coup for Sporting.

In just eight starts, the midfielder has scored twice and provided three assists.

He proved the difference here, ghosting into the area to curl Sergio Alvarez's cutback into the bottom corner.

Malaga had no shortage of chances to level in either half, with Juan Carlos missing a simple opportunity to beat Ivan Cuellar in the Sporting goal.

Halilovic continued to drive the visitors forward and came close to adding to his goal, hitting the crossbar twice in the final 10 minutes.