Madrid back to winning ways with 2-1 win over Malaga

After their 40-match unbeaten run ended by successive losses at Sevilla and Celta Vigo, Real Madrid have returned to winning ways when they defeated Malaga CF 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

James Rodriguez, Pepe, Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale were all sidelined due to injury for Real, as Nacho, Lucas Vazquez and Keylor Navas returned to the side. But Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were in the Starting XI, and both tested goalkeeper Carlos Kameni in the opening moments though the hosts remained contained.

Sergio Ramos grabbed a brace in the 2-1 victory. First in the minute when he planted in a free header from Luka Modric’s corner; and second shortly before half-time when he slid in another set-piece – despite appearing to stray offside following Toni Kroos’ delivery.

Read Also: Sevilla end Real Madrid’s unbeaten run

The captain struck twice in the first half, but Madrid were unconvincing as Juanpi scored by a 15-yard drive after 63 minutes – which wasn’t enough to avoid a fifth straight defeat for the visitors.

Real came under sustained pressure in the second half but had enough in the tank to survive until the final whistle.

The La Liga leaders are now four points clear off at the top, ahead of second-placed Sevilla, who will travel to bottom club Osasuna on Sunday, while third-placed Barcelona, who are a point further back, will go to ninth-placed Eibar on the same day.

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