Ronaldo helps Real Madrid to victory
Spanish champs defeat Malaga to narrow gap at top to seven points
Madrid, Nov. 26: Cristiano Ronaldo’s first La Liga goal for over a month ensured Real Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to seven points by squeezing past Malaga 3-2.
Ronaldo’s relief was clear to see when he fired home the rebound after seeing his penalty saved by Roberto 15 minutes from time on Saturday.
Atletico Madrid remain tied with Real in third after they shrugged off a season of goalscoring woes by thrashing Levante 5-0 thanks to doubles from Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro.
Both Madrid sides will now be hoping Barca slip up when they travel to Valencia for a top-of-thetable clash.
The Catalans will be buoyed by Lionel Messi ending speculation over his future by finally signing a contract extension to 2021 earlier on Saturday.
“We are pleased with the result because the team showed character with time running out to score the third,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
“There were plenty of good things, but also things we didn’t want to see.”
Real looked set to shake off their recent league struggles in a dominant start as Ronaldo’s header came back off the woodwork leaving the unmarked Karim Benzema with the simple task of nodding into an empty net.
A slack pass from Toni Kroos on the edge of his own box handed Malaga a route back into the game on 18 minutes.
Keko pounced on the German World Cup winner’s gift and his cross was calmly chested down and slotted beyond Kiko Casilla by Diego Rolan.
Bailed out
Parity only lasted three minutes for the visitors though, as Kroos made amends with a corner from which Casemiro powered home.
Madrid’s fans had complained before kick-off at their perceived harsh treatment from referees this season, but it was the hosts who were handed a let off from the officials on the stroke of half-time.
Paul Baysse’s header looked to have levelled with the last touch of the half, but the French defender was penalised for a push on Dani Carvajal. — AFP