Real Madrid welcomed Malaga to the Bernabeu on Saturday with Carlo Ancelotti's side already five points off the pace at the top of the La Liga table.
The home side had the best of the chances in the first period, but could not make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Madrid were ahead in the early stages of the second half, however, when Angel di Maria's cross found its way into the bottom corner, before Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 with a late penalty.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! International football is done and dusted for the moment with domestic football returning across Europe. Week nine in La Liga opens from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Malaga. It might be early in the season, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side are already five points off the pace and therefore three points are vital this afternoon.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Real Madrid have won three of the last five, with Malaga also winning once and the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding clash last season ended in a 6-2 win for the home side, but Malaga were 3-2 winners on their own patch in December 2012.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Illarramendi, Khedira; Ronaldo, Isco, Di Maria; Morata
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, Sanchez, Weligton, Antunes; Portillo, Camacho, Tissone, Eliseu; Samuel, El Hamdaoui
So there we have it. No Gareth Bale in the Real Madrid XI this afternoon, but the Welshman is on the bench. Daniel Carvajal starts at right-back, while Alvaro Morata is handed a start in attack. Malaga, meanwhile, leave Roque Santa Cruz on the bench, but El Hamdaoui does lead the line. There are also places for the experienced Eliseu and Weligton.
Real Madrid might have won six of their eight matches in the league this season, but it was been far from plain sailing, especially in recent weeks. They needed a controversial late penalty to beat Elche at the end of September, before losing to capital rivals Atletico Madrid in the Bernabeu three days later – and Diego Simeone’s side were well worth the three points.
They also left it late last time out away to Levante. They trailed 2-1 in injury time, before Alvaro Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo – who else? – struck late on to secure all the points. Their form in Europe has been sensational thus far, however, with a 6-1 win at Galatasaray followed by a 4-0 home win over Danish outfit Copenhagen.
Malaga face a tough task this afternoon, however, with Real Madrid’s formidable home record. They have lost to Atletico on their own patch this season, but won 17 of their 19 home matches in the league last season, scoring 67 goals in the process, which was four more than Barcelona managed at the Camp Nou.
Malaga, meanwhile, have managed to overcome an early slump in recent weeks. They have lost just one of their last five in the league, but they have managed just two wins this season. They are yet to win on the road this season, but have lost just once. It is a much-changed team from the previous campaign, but they have been solid thus far.
Their most disappointing result of the season came last time out, however, when they were beaten 1-0 on their home patch by a struggling Osasuna side. Malaga’s away from was fairly strong last season with just nine defeats from their 18 matches, but in truth, how they fare this season is not going to depend on their results at places such as the Bernabeu.
PREDICTION: Real Madrid have not been able to start Bale this afternoon, but there is still a wealth of talent in their starting XI. They have had some trouble against Malaga in recent seasons, but the away side are a much-changed outfit. I would be surprised if Madrid were not comfortable winners in the Spanish capital this afternoon.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium and indeed a wonderful afternoon for a game of football. The away side get the action underway at the Bernabeu.
It is a special afternoon for Isco, who is playing against his former club for the first time since joining Real Madrid in the summer. The away supporters have troubled in their numbers, which is creating a strong atmosphere in the early stages. Morata advances down the right for the home side moments later, but his cross is cleared by Antunes. Let's hope for a match full of goals.
Half-chance for Malaga as Tissone collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl an effort into the bottom corner, but Diego Lopez - who keeps his place in the team at the expense of Iker Casillas - is on hand to collect. Madrid are down the other end with Isco moments later, but the move breaks down as Ramos is felled by Antunes.
Real Madrid's first half-chance of the match comes to Ramos as the Spanish defender meets a curling free kick from Marcelo, but his header is just wide of the target. Neither side has really settled into proceedings at the moment with the middle of the park very crowded. However, Malaga have certainly come to attack.
CROSSBAR! Real Madrid come close to opening the scoring as Ronaldo finds some space inside the Malaga box before attempting to curl his effort into the top corner, but it clips the top of the crossbar before moving behind for a goal kick. Just a few signs that the home side are starting to settle into proceedings.
Malaga continue the end-to-end tempo of the match as Samuel combines with Tissone before driving into the opposing box, but Lopez is out to claim at the vital moment. The first yellow card of the match arrives for Tissone moments later as the Argentine fells Khedira outside the box. No prizes for guessing who is standing over the set piece.
In fact, there is a surprise. Ronaldo moves away from the free kick, allowing Di Maria to have an effort on goal, but Caballero is on hand to make the save. The pressure continues as the home side pass and probe outside the Malaga box, but the danger is cleared once more. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Ronaldo as Di Maria finds the Portuguese inside the box, he takes one touch before attempting to slide his effort into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Ronaldo could have had two inside 15 minutes here. One-way traffic in the last couple of minutes.
Incredible intensity to the match at the moment with both sides comitting players in the final third at every opportunity. Malaga have a half-chance as Samuel strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. The referee, meanwhile, is letting the match flow despite a number of late challenges from both sets of players.
Good pressure from Real Madrid in the last couple of moments as they continue to pin Malaga to the edge of their own box, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass thus far. Morata has a half-chance as he meets a cross from Di Maria, but his header is straight into the arms of the waiting Caballero.
Real Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Morata heads a Carvajal cross into the bottom corner, but the offside flag had been raised, much to the frustration of the home supporters. Not too much for the Malaga supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments, however, with the home side starting to dictate the tempo in the middle of the park.
It really is like watching a basketball match at the moment as both sides share attacks within the space of 15 seconds. Morata is again on target for Real Madrid, but his curling effort is saved by Caballero. Portillo has a strike down the other end, but it was always moving wide of the post.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments with the challenges flying in from both sides. Eliseu is the latest to stay down after clashing with Khedira, but the midfielder does return to his feet following a period of treatment. Still goalless with 26 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Malaga at the moment as the home side continue to raise the tempo. Di Maria has looked the most likely in a wide position, but Morata and Ronaldo have also been dangerous thus far. That said, you always get the feeling that this Real Madrid team will give Malaga chances. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Ronaldo attempts to take matters into his own hands as he drives into the heart of the Malaga defence, but a combination of Antunes and Sergio Sanchez manage to clear the danger. Lopez is called into action moments later to collect a deep cross from Eliseu, with El Hamdaoui hovering at the far post. Malaga have come alive once more, but it is leaving holes in their defence.
Another half-chance for the away side as Portillo combines with Eliseu before attempting to slide his low cross into the box, but Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. Morata has a half-chance down the other end moments later, but he can only plant his header wide of the target. However, the striker is certainly looking lively.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Morata as the Spaniard meets a cross from Marcelo, but Caballero is on hand to make a fine save. Fantastic goalkeeping from the Argentine, but Morata should have sent his side into the lead. Still goalless with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Caballero is even making saves when he does not need to as Isco - who had been ruled offside - attempts to strike one into the bottom corner, but again the Malaga stopper is on hand to make the save. You can just sense the frustration inside the stadium. However, a certain Bale has been sent to warm up, which raises the noise levels in the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid's first period is summed up in one sequence outside the Malaga box as wonderful work from Di Maria presents a half-chance to Ronaldo, but Pepe gets in the way, much to the frustration of his Portuguese teammate. If Malaga can keep it tight until the interval, they will fancy their chances in the second period. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining as a frustrated Carlo Ancelotti watches on from the sidelines.
Ronaldo's frustration continues as the Real Madrid attacker takes control of a high ball just outside the box before falling to the ground, but the referee is not interested. There is a fine line between letting the match flow and ignoring clear free kicks. I am not certain which side of the line the official is on at the moment. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the first period.
CHANCE! Just as I say there are not many chances, Malaga have a golden once. It's good work from Portillo who cuts inside Ramos before finding Eliseu inside the box, but he can only flash his effort wide of the post. Madrid are down the other end with Morata moments later, but Weligton clears the danger.
HALF TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Malaga
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Real Madrid have had the majority of the chances and indeed possession, but Malaga have also had their moments. Not quite the response that Carlo Ancelotti was looking for, but there is still plenty of time for the home side to produce.
STATISTICS: Real Madrid had 63% of the possession in the first period, while they also had nine attempts to Malaga's two. The best chances have also come the way of the home side with Ronaldo striking the crossbar in the early stages before Morata forced a fine save from Caballero, who has been the standout player on the pitch thus far.
BENCH WATCH: Real Madrid have a certain Gareth Bale on their bench this afternoon, as well as the likes of Luka Modric and Jese. However, Karim Benzema is not in the squad. Malaga, meanwhile, could call upon former Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz or youngster Sergi Darder. It would not be a surprise to see changes in the early stages of the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Real Madrid simply have to win this match to stay in touch at the top of the table, but Malaga will have their own ideas. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. The home side get the second period underway.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Malaga (Di Maria)
Well, that did not take long! Real Madrid take the lead in the early stages of the second period as Di Maria's cross ends up in the back of the net. Ronaldo had threatened to make contact, but replays have shown that the attacker did not get a touch.
That was not part of the team talk for the away side at the interval. It is so important that they stay in the match for the next 10 minutes or so, with Real Madrid threatening to double their tally. Suddenly the stadium is alive with the home supporters in fine voice. Even Ancelotti looks more relaxed.
Ronaldo looks in the mood in the second period as he drives down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Antunes is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Malaga do their best to break down the other end, but Samuel is out of options as he drives a low cross into the box. End-to-end football as Isco brings a save from Caballero moments later.
Another half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese strikes one from outside the box, but Caballero is on hand to make the save. Ronaldo has another sight of goal moments later as Khedira drives a low cross into the area, but Antunes manages to clear. One-way traffic with 54 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments, but Real Madrid continue to dominate possession of the ball. It would not be a surprise to see a certain Gareth Bale introduced for the final 30 minutes or so. Malaga, meanwhile, are in need of another option as they continue to struggle.
It's wonderful work from Ronaldo as the Portuguese turns on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Caballero is on hand to make the save. It falls to Morata, but the striker was in an offside position. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Tissone drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, where Portillo and Samuel were both waiting, but neither could make contact. That is the danger for Real Madrid. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this afternoon.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities for the home side in the last five minutes or so, although they continue to dominate possession of the ball. Another half-chance comes the way of the away side as Tissone drives a low cross into the box, but Lopez manages to beat Samuel to the ball. Still 1-0 to the home side.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese is found by Marcelo inside the box, but Caballero is across to make a stunning save. This could have been four or five if it were not for Caballero. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to arrive for Real Madrid and indeed for Ronaldo as the Portuguese comes within a whisker of tapping a Morata header into the back of the net. Di Maria continues to cause havoc in wide areas, but somehow Malaga are still in the match. Wouldn't it be just like football if Malaga managed to nick one late on.
The referee has done well to let the match flow this afternoon with the amount of challenges that are flying in from both sides. That said, they have been clumsy more than dangerous. A poor pass from Marcelo presents a counter-attacking opportunity for the away side, but Portillo's cross is straight into the arms of Alves.
Malaga make their first change of the match as Anderson replaces Samuel. Still no movement on the Real Madrid bench, which is a surprise with little under 20 minutes of football remaining. Anderson is immeidately involved as he comes close to meeting a through pass from Tissone, but Lopez was always in control of the situation.
Free kick in Ronaldo territory for the home side as Gamez fells Morata outside the box. Meanwhile, Madrid make their first change of the match as Luka Modric replaces Isco. The resulting set piece is taken by Ronaldo, but once more Caballero makes the save. How good has he been today?!
The home side continue to pass and probe outside the Malaga box, but they are finding it difficult to find that elusive pass. Malaga are not settling for a one-goal defeat, however, as they continue to commit players forward. Only three points would be good enough for the home side this afternoon.
The Bernabeu rises as Real Madrid make their second change with a certain Gareth Bale replacing Morata for the final 10 minutes or so. Malaga also make two changes as Portillo and Antunes are replaced by Santa Cruz and Darder. Moments later, Anderson flashes a low effort wide of the post.
Good spell for Malaga as they enjoy a period of possession outside the Real Madrid box, but it breaks down when Bale picks the pocket of Tissone, before releasing Di Maria, who is brought down just outside the box. End-to-end football, the home side really need that second goal to be sure of the three points.
Real Madrid make their third and final change of the afternoon as Jese replaces Di Maria, who has been impressive. You just get the feeling that there is some late drama to come as both sides continue to press forward. Little over five minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Oh my word how has he missed?! Stunning chance for Ronaldo to make it 2-0 to Real Madrid as Marcelo puts it on a plate for the Portuguese, but somehow Caballero is across to make another sensatioanl save. The Malaga stopper has been just incredible this afternoon.
CHANCE! Wow, just wow. Another world-class save from Caballero as the Argentine somehow prevents Jese from curling a low effort into the bottom corner. This could have been six or seven without the intervention of the Argentine stopper. It remains 1-0 to the home side.
Without sounding like a broken record, Caballero has just made another top save to deny Ronaldo at his near post, before tipping a Marcelo strike over the crossbar. It has been as good a goalkeeping performance as I have seen in recent years. Somehow Malaga are still in the match as Ancelotti watches nervously from the sidelines.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Malaga (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid make it 2-0 in stoppage time as Ronaldo converts from the spot after Bale had been felled inside the box. Game, set and match. It is tough on Caballero, who has been just stunning.
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Malaga
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Real Madrid picking up all three points in a 2-0 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us from 6.30pm for Osasuna against Barcelona. Until then!
