Horta, Darder and Juanmi were on target as Málaga eventually overcame Getafe 3-2 at La Rosaleda, Alvaro Vazquez grabbing two for the visitors.
Málaga stay in seventh, three points behind Villarreal, who play Real Madrid on Sunday, and nine ahead of Espanyol who are currently in eighth place in La Liga.
Espanyol were 1-0 victors over Córdona, Abraham scoring just before the break.
Almeria drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruña while Rayo Vallecano beat Levante 4-2.