After two consecutive defeats against Sevilla in the regular season and Celta de Vigo in Copa del Rey, Los Blancos could achieve another victory in La Liga. Real Madrid have been proclaimed what in Spain is known as “winter champion” (the team that finishes in the top of the table after the first round).
Zidane made some changes in the starting 11. With Carvajal’s injury, everybody thought Danilo was going to be in the line-up, with the aim of recovering his confidence after his poor performances in the last games, but finally, the French manager decided to include Nacho in the right back.
In the beginning of the match, Los Blancos tried to control the game having the ball possession and in the 10th minute Cristiano had the chance to open the scoreboard, but the Portuguese star could not finish the play because Kameni did a great save. Málaga had a great chance from Chory Castro but his shot went to the bar.
In the 25th minute, Marcelo had to leave the field because of an injury and Isco replaced him. Zidane had to make some changes in his formation and the French manager decided to play with 4-4-2, with Lucas in the right back and Nacho in the left.
In the 35th minute Sergio Ramos scored the first goal for Los Blancos with a great header from a cross of Toni Kroos. Only 10 minutes later Real Madrid’s captain scored his second personal goal from another cross of the German midfielder just before the players went to the dressing room.
In the second half, Real Madrid started with a high pressure, trying to steal the ball as fast as possible. In the 63rd minute Juankar did a wonderful play where he dribbled Varane and Juanpi scored the first goal for the Andalusian side. After Málaga’s goal, Real Madrid tried to maintain the ball with the goal of letting the minutes pass. Cristiano had many chances to score the third one but Kameni and the bar prevent it. In the last 10 minutes Zidane decided to change Modric and Benzema because both were a bit tired and Kovacic and Morata replaced them.
Los Blancos finally could win in a very tough game after two consecutive defeats. The team managed by Zinedine did not play a good match but the three points were necessary to continue in the top of the table.
We can say that the MVP of the match was Sergio Ramos because, despite he had a difficult week, he played a really good match, scoring the two goals that give the victory to Real Madrid.
