After suffering their first ever Champions League defeat in the first leg, Malaga turned it around with a 2-0 victory this evening to send them into the quarter finals at the expense of Porto.
Isco's goal sent the sides in level at half-time and in the second half the home side dominated after Steven Defour was dismissed, with Santa Cruz scoring the crucial goal 13 minutes from time.
The first leg was a very tight affair, with no real better side. It started in the same fashion tonight, with Danilo and Joaquin both getting early chances for their sides but unable to test the opposing keeper.
In a game with few chances, Helton produced a spectacular save to keep Antunes' shot out of the net, a strike that was heading for the top corner.
Minutes later the home side thought they had taken the lead but Saviola's effort was ruled out after a coming together between Julio Baptista and Porto keeper Helton, though replays showed the Malaga forward was pushed into the foul.
It was shortly after that Malaga did score, with Isco scoring a sensational equaliser to bring the sides level on aggregate. He was allowed too much space 20 yards from goal and punished Porto with a spectacular strike.
Porto's hopes of getting back into the tie were given a crushing blow shortly into the second half, when Defour made a stupid challenge on Joaquin that earned him a second yellow and his marching orders.
Malaga created chances to double their lead, with Saviola and Isco both coming close.
The home side decided to sit back and were almost punished 15 minutes from time, with Jackson Martinez coming close to converting Rodriguez's free kick.
Learning from their mistake, Malaga pushed forward again and grabbed what was the crucial goal with 13 minutes left.
Isco's corner was met by the head of Santa Cruz, the striker on loan from Manchester City, and flew into the back of the net.
Porto did score shortly afterwards but Maicon's effort was correctly ruled as offside.
The home side held on to secure their first win in 4 games and advance to the next stage of the competition, joining fellow Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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