Real Madrid kept up the chase behind FC Barcelona in the race for the BBVA Primera Liga title as goals from Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo gave them a hard-fought win against Malaga on Saturday. The win came at a price and Real Madrid suffered a setback before the 10-minute mark when Gareth Bale was forced to leave the pitch with what looked to be a calf injury to be replaced by Javier Hernandez.
Nevertheless, the home side took the lead after 24 minutes when Sergio Ramos, who could have been in an offside position, headed in a free kick taken by Cristiano Ronaldo. As usual Real Madrid tried to build on the goal and Carlos Kameni had to be alert to keep out a shot from James Rodriguez, although Darder should have hit the target for Malaga when left with a clear shot on goal only to fire over the bar.
The second half saw Luka Modric have to leave pitch after receiving a heavy foul and Carlo Ancelotti decided to replace him with Asier Illaramendi with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions league tie at home to Atletico Madrid. Malaga were looking comfortable against a home side who lacked fluidness, but Ronaldo had the chance to seal the win in the 67th minute when James was fouled. However, the striker hit his spot kick against the post and Malaga breathed again. They didn’t breathe for long as James did double Madrid’s lead shortly afterwards after swapping passes with Ronaldo and Isco and although Kameni got a hand on his shot he was unable to keep it out.
Juanmi brought some emotion into the game with a goal in the 71st minute and Malaga had Madrid looking groggy in the closing minutes until Hernandez led an injury time counter-attack to leave Ronaldo needing to merely tap home from close range to seal the win.
Madrid injury hits rael chances
Real Madrid have suffered a major setback three days before their Champions League quarterfinal return leg home match to local rivals Atletico Madrid with midfielder Luka Modric ruled out of the match with a knee injury that could potentially end his season. Real’s 3-1 win at home to Malaga on Saturday saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side lose Gareth Bale with a calf injury. The Welsh forward pulled up after just two minutes of the kick-off and was replaced by striker Javier Hernandez. Although tests won’t be carried out until Monday, it looks as if the injury will sideline him for Wednesday’s game and he has to be considered a doubt for next weekend’s trip to face Celta Vigo in La Liga.