Adnane Tighadouini and Juan Carlos struck in the second half as Malaga claimed their second win of the Primera Division season at Deportivo La Coruna's expense.
The hosts gave themselves a three-point buffer over the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at Estadio La Rosaleda, only the second game this season in which they have scored.
Tighadouini was lucky to see his free-kick beat everyone in the box and nestle in the far corner after 62 minutes and Carlos made it safe with an opportunistic effort five minutes from time.
Malaga began on the front foot, Tighadouini and Charles lively outlets in attack.
But a majority of possession did not translate into chances.
Goalkeeper German Lux was called on to do the basics but otherwise Malaga came up short with their final ball.
Depor had one Oriol Riera shot to get excited about in the first half but he could not squeeze his effort inside the post.
Malaga came on strong again after the interval and might have then the lead when Carlos' side-foot centre was converted by Charles.
Instead, a debatable offside flag against the former saw it chalked off.
But their fortunes balanced out just after the hour, when Tighadouini's whipped free-kick into the box went unmet but bounced awkwardly for Lux and hit the net.
On this occasion Weligton might have got away with being in an offside position and distracting Lux.
Carlos made the points safe when he gathered a half-cleared Roberto Rosales with his first touch and made his second a fine left-footed finish from a tough angle.
ends