Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso said Malaga made life difficult for Los Blancos and the players were delighted to come away with a 1-0 victory.
The win, which came about thanks to another Cristiano Ronaldo finish, ensures Los Blancos maintain the pace at the top of the table ahead of the Clasico fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend.
Speaking after the game, Alonso said all the Real players suffered and never really got going at La Rosaleda, at the hosts closed down quickly and fought for every ball.
“We found it hard against Málaga because they squeezed us in the second half and we struggled to move up the pitch with the ball. They played well and pressured us. They worked well together while we lacked passing accuracy both in terms of link up play and the final ball,” the World Cup winner said.
Discussing the situation at the top of the league, Alonso said we have now reached the stage of the season where players must treat each game as a cup final and go for the win. He also played down the importance of the Clasico, saying every league game now is of equal significance in the race for La Liga.
“These are three very important points. Every match is fundamental for us. We have a points advantage and don’t want it to slip away, now we have to approach each game as if it were the last. The Clásico won’t be decisive but it could be very important,” he stated.
