Real Madrid vs Malaga in less than 3 minutes

You know how the saying goes, ‘you wait for one Real Madrid defeat and then two come along at once’ well that’s not quite the phrase but after seeing their unbeaten run end at title rivals Sevilla last Sunday, Zinedine Zidane’s side also suffered defeat in the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final 1st Leg to Celta in Midweek.

Therefore a return to winning ways was very much on the agenda yesterday as they played host to Malaga and a win was exactly what they got, although they were made to work for the three points which sees them extend their gap at the top to 4 points.

With both Sevilla and Barcelona playing later Today it was the ideal opportunity to put some daylight between their two nearest challengers and they did so with a narrow win over the Andalusians and they have Sergio Ramos to thank as his double meant he was undoubtedly the hero of the hour.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both missed clear chances, while Malaga’s Chory Castro hit the post, before centre-back Ramos planted in a free header from Luka Modric’s corner. Ramos netted again shortly before half-time when he slid in another set-piece – despite appearing to stray offside following Toni Kroos’ delivery.

Malaga replied through Juanpi’s thumping 15-yard drive, but it was not enough to avoid a fifth straight defeat. The 13th-placed visitors, who have now not won in eight, failed to build on their foothold in the game and rarely looked like stunning the home crowd with an equaliser.

With that victory the onus is once again on Sevilla and Barcelona to do their bit in the race for the La Liga title. Sevilla have the early kick off away at Osasuna while Barcelona travel to Eibar in the final kick off of the Sunday fixtures.

Here is all you need to know from Yesterday at The Bernabeu