Real Madrid's quest for a sixth consecutive victory has been frustrated as they reach half time on level terms with Malaga.

Los Merengues almost took the lead inside three minutes when Karim Benzema tried to find Jese with a cross, but Miguel Torres was on hand to clear the danger.

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Real thought they had taken the lead on eight minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo turned home Luka Modric's pinpoint pass, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The Portuguese star almost netted soon after as he met Marcelo's cross with a diving header, only for his effort to sail narrowly over the bar.

Just after the half-hour mark, the visitors came close to taking a shock lead when Nordin Amrebat's menacing cross found Juan Carlos, but the forward missed the target under pressure.

On the stroke of half time, Isco nearly provided Rafael Benitez's side with the breakthrough as he met Marcelo's ball into the box with a measured shot, which drifted inches wide.