Real Madrid lost further ground in the title race as they were held to a lowly 1-1 draw at El Rosaleda by a gritty Malaga. Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors ahead with a fortuitous header after the half hour mark, but Raul Albentosa restored parity for Albiceleste midway into the second stanza.
Los Blancos fret and faffed in search of a winner, but their every effort ran into a stonewall and were forced to share the spoils. Let’s have a look at how the players from both parties fared.
Malaga
Carlos Kameni – 8
The Cameroonian custodian was a bulwark that kept Real Madrid at arm’s length for most of the match. For every attempt from the visitors that glided through at goal, Kameni repelled with fine stops. His diving stop to deny Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty stop was the highlight of the game.
Raul Albentosa – 8
The Malaga defender put in an excellent shift in both halves of the field and also netted the equaliser for his side that earned them a vital point.
Roberto Rosales – 6.5
Right-back Roberto Rosales was having a great time in the first half with some promising runs and crucial interceptions, but his strength and influence both tapered off in the second half and was eventually overshadowed by his opposite number Marcelo, when the Brazilian fanned the pressure on him by his darting runs forward.
WeligtonOliveira – 7.5
Weligton assisted Albentosa for the equaliser with an impeccable cross, and dispatched himself resolutely at the heart of Malaga’s defence.
Miguel Torres – 7.5
Torres was terrific down the left, as he stood tall when Real Madrid threw the kitchen sink at him. Daniel Carvajal had a hard time in dealing with him whilst going ahead.
Juan Anor – 8
The midfielder was one of the better Malaga players going forward and carried the side's biggest threat with his pace and trickery.
Recio – 6.5
He started off well, supplying balls ahead and tracking back when the situation demanded, but Recio wasn’t as effective after the break.
Ignacio Camacho – 7.5
Camacho was solid as the holding midfielder and always appeared composed with the ball at his feet.
Duje Cop - 7.5
Cop linked up well with Charles in the attack and also caused the visiting defence lot of troubles with his clever off-the-ball movements.
Charles - 8
The Malaga attacker was blistering in the final third and Blancos backline were harrowed in dealing with him. Charles even made two good attempts at goal that forced Keylor Navas into equally impressive stops.
Ricardo Horta – 7
The winger was brought down the left flank, but his profligacy marred an otherwise decent evening.
Substitutes
Pablo Fornals – 7
Fornals took over the mantle from Horta in the final half hour and posed just as much threat to the visitors.
Duda - 6
Duda came into the game in the dying minutes and only made a few touches on the ball.
Roque Santa Cruz – 6
Coming on to the field very late, Santa Cruz sat deep and only defended. His attacking boots were nowhere to be seen.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 8.5
The Real Madrid shot-stopper was arguably the best visiting player on the field. Fending off one attempt after another, Navas kept Malaga at arm’s length when the defence fell short.
Nacho - 6
Coming on for Rafael Varane at the heart of Real’s backline, Nacho was very sloppy and often played into the hands of Charles and Cop.
Marcelo – 8
The Brazilian was impressive at the back whilst also making vital crosses into the box, pushing forward.
Daniel Carvajal – 7.5
The right-back supported Madrid's attack from the opposite wing with several promising runs into the box, whilst also managing his defensive duties with aplomb.
Sergio Ramos – 6.5
The Real Madrid skipper was uncharacteristically nervy at times and his poor passes often landed his side in hot water.
Luka Modric – 7.5
The Croat was a vital cog in the midfield and kept the Real engine ticking with accurate passes ahead.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
Kovacic partnered his compatriot in the centre of the park with great elan and complemented his strong performance with several sharp distrubtions of the ball.
Isco - 7
The former Malaga man was impressive against former colleagues in the first half, but saw his influence wane as the game wore on.
Toni Kroos – 6.5
The German had one of his most forgetful days since joining the white of Madrid as he misplaced too many passes and never looked in his element.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 7
Real Madrid No.7 put his side ahead with the header, but his attempt from the spot lacked conviction. All in all, Ronaldo was disappointing.
Jese - 6.5
The striker made a few assured first touches to create good chances for his side, but was also impeded by a resolute Malaga side on many occasions.
Substitutes
James Rodriguez – 7
Rodriguez played for only 15 minutes, but could find the winner for his despite his best efforts.
Lukas Vazquez – 7.5
Replacing Jese at the hour mark, Vazquez offered more going forward and his introduction sparked more verve into Real Madrid attack.
