Madrid - The 33rd round of the Spanish Liga programme kicked off on Saturday with a 1-1 draw between Euro hopefuls Malaga and Deportivo Coruna. Former Spain striker Albert Luque gave Malaga the lead in the 33rd minute, only for fellow veteran Sergio to equalize for Deportivo just after half-time.

Malaga would have gone fifth had they won. Instead, they continue in sixth place with 51 points, one point above Deportivo but one behind fifth-placed Villarreal and four behind fourth-placed Valencia, who are at home to leaders Barcelona later on Saturday.

"We have missed another good chance tonight," said Malaga defender Javier Calleja, "to get closer to the European places."

Saturday's other early game saw bottom team Numancia beaten 2-1 by Almeria, for whom Kalu Uche and Fernando Soriano were the scorers.

Numancia have just 28 points - two less than Recreativo Huelva and four less than Espanyol - and are surely heading towards their third relegation within eight years. (dpa)