Espanyol skipper Garcia scored one goal and set up another for his team as they claimed a rare victory away from home.
The Barcelona-based club had won just once in their past 10 matches on the road in all competitions but that record was not enough to see Malaga notch a much-needed victory.
Espanyol hit the front in the 33rd minute when Christian Stuani found space with a smart turn and, as Malaga's defenders flocked to him, the Uruguayan released Garcia down the right and the veteran striker lashed the ball into the net.
Roque Santa Cruz found Pablo Perez at the top of the penalty area and, while the midfielder was slightly goal-side of Espanyol's last defender Juan Fuentes, the flag stayed down and Malaga's midfielder made no mistake with his shot across Kiko Casilla.
But Espanyol's feelings of injustice would have been assuaged with 14 minutes remaining at the Estadio La Rosaleda when Garcia produced a brilliant defence-splitting pass to pick out Pizzi on the right and the Portuguese forward slammed the ball inside the far post from a tight angle.
