A late own goal from Deportivo defender Alejandro Arribas saw Malaga earn a 3-3 draw and deny Victor Sanchez's men a first victory in 12 Primera Division matches.
After a positive opening from the visitors, it was Malaga, themselves heading into Saturday's late evening kick-off on a four-match winless run, who took the lead on 29 minutes when Charles Dias de Oliveira headed in at the far post from a corner.
Malaga, though, had to soon replace goalkeeper Carlos Kameni on 35 minutes after he was injured making a save in a goalmouth scramble.
Deportivo levelled two minutes before half-time when Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges knocked in a cut-back through the penalty area from Juanfran.
Malaga were back in front on 63 minutes when Ignacio Camacho headed home a corner.
The lead, though, did not last long as Deportivo equalised again in the 69th minute through a fine individual goal by Fede Cartabia.
The 23-year-old Argentine winger, on loan from Valencia, picked up the ball on the right and held off defenders as he weaved into the penalty area before coolly slotting past Guillermo Ochoa at the near post.
Deportivo thought they had secured a long-overdue victory with nine minutes left when Lucas swept in a cross from Faycal Fajr.
However, on 89 minutes, the unfortunate Arribas nodded a deep free-kick from Recio down into the bottom corner of the Deportivo net.
Malaga finished the match with 10 men after Camacho collected a second caution during stoppage time.
ends