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With most of its stars sold, Malaga needed a record-setting goal on Saturday from 16-year-old Fabrice Olinga to win 1-0 at promoted Celta Vigo on the opening day of the Spanish league.
The Malaga youth player went on as a second-half substitute and moments after hitting the post he knocked in a rebound of a shot by Diego Bounanotte in the 84th minute.
The goal made Olinga the youngest player to score in the Spanish league at 16 years, 3 months, 6 days. He also became the youngest player to play in the first division for Malaga.
Celta had played better throughout, but lacked precision in front of goal in their first topflight match in six seasons. Forward Enrique de Lucas grazed the post just before half-time and defender Gustavo Cabral hit the crossbar from close range in injury time.
Malaga's Qatari owners have sold various players, including playmaker Santi Cazorla to Arsenal, in the preseason following a financial about-face after having invested heavily in the team the past two seasons. The Costa del Sol club play Greek side Panathinaikos in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying playoff on Wednesday.
On Sunday, defending champions Real Madrid open their title defence at home against Valencia, while Tito Vilanova debuts as Barcelona's head coach against visitors Real Sociedad. Also, Athletic Bilbao host Real Betis and Atletico Madrid are at Levante.
On Monday, Deportivo Coruna mark their return to the topflight after a one-season absence against Osasuna, Granada are at Rayo Vallecano and promoted Valladolid travel to Zaragoza.
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