Málaga took the lead in the first half against Athletic Bilbao through Juanma but succumbed in the second half, eventually losing 1-2.
San José and Munian were on target for Athletic and the defeat leaves the Blue and Whites perilously close to the danger zone at the foot of La Liga.
Athletic Bilbao on the other hand are sitting comfortably in fifth place, six points clear of their nearest rivals.