After two consecutive losses, Real Madrid got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over a struggling Malaga side at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos have always had a brilliant record against Malaga but were up against a sportier opponent tonight but they managed to survive Malaga's attempts to disrupt their party.
The only downside for the hosts was an injury to Marcelo in the first half, which saw him being substituted. The Brazilian is expected to spend some time on the sidelines which could be problematic for Zidane.
Also read: Twitter Celebrates Sergio Ramos and trolls Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid ease past Malaga 2-1
Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos' dream season continued as he scored a first-half brace to give his side a 2-0 advantage going into the break. Juanpi halved the deficit at the hour mark for the visitors. Malaga had a handful of chances to find an equaliser but failed to break Keylor Navas' resistance.
Let's take a look at five talking points from the exciting game that took place at the home of the European champions:
#1 The leader rises to the occasion
Real Madrid were in a bit of a fix going into tonight's game as the confidence in the squad was shot after back-to-back defeats. Ramos was up for the task though as he was present in the right place at the right time to guide home two set piece goals in the first half. Though his second goal looked offside, it was a brilliant performance by the club captain to guide his team to victory and solidify their lead at the summit of the La Liga.
Ramos has been sensational this season as his record of eight goals suggest. Moreover, he had kept the Madrid side unbeaten with late goals against FC Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruna. Ramos has now scored 50 goals in his Madrid career and is surprisingly the club's second top scorer this season in the league.
#2 Malaga lack confidence more than anything else
The southern Spain side lie a dismal 13th in the league table which does not rightly reflect the quality that is present in the squad. Former manager Juande Ramos resigned last month after an upset in the Copa del Rey against second division side, Cordoba. New boss, Marcelo Romero has failed to win a single game since his arrival but has shown with his tactics that he is the man to lead Malaga forward.
Against Real, they created a host of chances and were unlucky not to score more than one. The forwards created many clear-cut opportunities but lacked that cutting edge in the final third, which might be a result of low confidence.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo jeered again by the Bernabeu faithful
Ronaldo had an average game by his standards against the Boquerones as he failed to score with a few chances that were provided to him on a plate. After only four minutes on the clock, Ronaldo took a poor touch on the ball and the Madrid boo-boys saw this as the perfect opportunity to jeer and whistle the club's highest ever goalscorer.
The Portuguese was denied by keeper Kameni and the goalpost at times but his overall contribution to Real's attack going forward was minimal. He has been criticised since the new year for his below-par showings and will have to bounce back in midweek against Celta Vigo.
#4 Danilo's Real Madrid career in tatters
The former Porto man, Danilo was taken out of the firing line tonight after a dismal game against Sevilla. Nacho Fernandez played on the right flank keeping Danilo on the bench. But, a first half injury to Marcelo was a chance for the Brazilian fullback to reclaim his place in the side.
Earlier in his press conference, Zidane had praised Danilo and claimed that the criticism of his full-back was a bit over the top. Despite being the obvious choice to replace Marcelo after his injury, Danilo was overlooked as Nacho deputised at left-back while Lucas Vazquez occupied the right-back position.
This move by the manager proves that the Brazilian lacks support and might be offloaded in the summer to make way for an upgrade.
#5 History suggests Real Madrid will win the league title now
Despite having a game in hand, Real Madrid have been crowned as the winter champions after securing the top spot at the end of the first half of the season. In the last decade, on seven occasions, the team crowned as the winter champions have gone on to win the La Liga.
Zidane's men are back on track after a little slump saw their historic 40-game unbeaten run come to a halt against Sevilla. They are now four points ahead of the second-placed Andalusians whereas Barcelona sit in the third spot, five points behind the reigning European champions.
