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Real Madrid are still struggling at the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo saved the champions’ blushes with only his second Liga goal of the season as he hit home the rebound after seeing his penalty parried by Malaga goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez. And Zinedine Zidane’s side stay alive in the title race for now.
The Portuguese saw his spot kick saved and finished at the second attempt to hand Los Blancos a vital victory, but their difficulties at home continue.
Fans of Los Blancos had waved red cards early in the match in protest at recent decisions they believe have gone against their team, including in last weekend’s goalless game at Atletico, when they saw several penalty appeals turned down.
“Corruption in the Federation” was the message and, whether it was a coincidence or not, Madrid were awarded a penalty here as Luka Modric went down late in the game. That allowed Ronaldo to score, albeit via a rebound, to give Real all three points.
Earlier, Malaga had twice come back into the game to cancel out goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro, the promoted side making light of their precarious position in the relegation zone to hand Los Blancos another complicated afternoon at their famous home.
“Real Madrid are devastating, but at the Bernabeu they give you a chance,” former Blancos legend and current Malaga boss Michel said before the game and his side almost produced a shock by proving his words to be correct.
Away from home, Zidane’s side often take advantage of the extra space to kill off their rivals, but they have struggled to break down visiting sides at the Bernabeu this term, drawing with Valencia and Levante in La Liga (plus Tottenham in the Champions League) and also losing to Betis.
Malaga saw what looked like a perfectly good goal ruled out just before half-time and on a different day, could have left with a draw or even more. In the end, the introduction of Modric proved key as the Croatia midfielder won the penalty, Cristiano converted the rebound and Real fans went home happy in the end.
Significant improvement is needed, however, and soon – or La Liga will be out of their reach before Christmas

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