Real Madrid remain in the La Liga title hunt following a 3-1 win over Malaga at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Goals from Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez left the hosts 2-0 ahead after 69 minutes, but Malaga had one back through Juanmi with little under 20 minutes remaining.

The points were secured in stoppage time, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo, who had missed an earlier penalty, converted from close range.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two teams.

Match statistics

REAL MADRID
Shots: 12
On target: 6
Possession: 71%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 11

MALAGA
Shots: 11
On target: 2
Possession: 29%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 26

Was the result fair?

Malaga can be pleased with their overall performance at the Bernabeu and there is no question that they had Real Madrid worried in the second period, but, on the balance of play, a home win was the correct result. It took Real a little bit of time to get going, but they had the lead after 24 minutes when Ramos converted a Ronaldo free kick. Malaga had some decent moments in the first period, with Sergi Darder missing an outstanding chance, but the hosts deserved to lead at the break.

The second half was more uncomfortable than Real would have hoped, but they had a golden chance to make it 2-0 after 66 minutes when Samu Castillejo felled James inside the box. Ronaldo stepped forward, but his spot kick hit the post. A second did arrive for Real just two minutes later, but Malaga answered straight back through Juanmi. At 2-1, it was a nervy final 20 minutes, but the hosts made sure of the points in stoppage time when Ronaldo converted from close range. A two-goal difference is perhaps a little harsh on Malaga, who were good for long spells, but the correct team secured the win.

Real Madrid's performance

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was without Karim Benzema for the clash, while Gareth Bale lasted just five minutes after picking up a calf problem. That left the home side with a front three of Javier Hernandez, Ronaldo and James, but Ancelotti would still have been confident of a strong performance. Los Blancos did not really threaten until the 17th minute when Hernandez was denied by Carlos Kameni, but the hosts made the breakthrough after 24 minutes. There was a hint of offside about Ramos's goal, but replays showed that the defender was just about level. The home side had the ball in the back of the net on two more occasions in the first period, but both were disallowed as Malaga remained in the game at the interval.

Neither side created too much in the early stages of the second half, but three more goals did arrive. Ronaldo missed from the spot, but the Portuguese added a third late on after James and Juanmi had both registered. Ancelotti would have been disappointed with his side's defending for the Malaga goal, with Roberto Rosales allowed far too much space to cross and Juanmi left all alone inside the box. The response was strong, however, and ultimately, all the points were secured. It was another must-win game for Madrid, but it might have come at a price. Bale limped off with a injury in the early stages, before Luka Modric followed in the second half. Both are now doubts for the Atletico Madrid game.

Malaga's performance

Malaga have impressed many with their open and expansive football this season and they have already won at Barcelona this term, which left them chasing an unlikely double in this one. They entered the match on the back of a four-game winless run in the league, but they played with plenty of confidence in the early stages. It was Javi Gracia's side that moved the ball quicker in the opening 10 minutes or so and Nordin Amrabat forced a good save from Iker Casillas after 13 minutes. It was the type of game where the first goal was going to be decisive, however, and when Malaga conceded, it was always going to be a tough ask against a Real Madrid team that had no room for error following Barcelona's win over Valencia earlier in the day.

The visitors had perhaps the game's outstanding chance in the latter stages of the first period, but Darder fired high of the crossbar from inside the box. Amrabat remained a threat after the break and the penalty miss from Ronaldo should have handed them confidence, but a second Real goal arrived after 69 minutes. Malaga's response was excellent as they registered through Juanmi just two minutes after conceding, but they did not have enough of the ball in the latter stages. The statistics show that Gracia's side had 11 attempts, which is impressive at the Bernabeu. It is another away defeat for Malaga, but there were plenty of positives on display as they continue their fight to secure a top-seven finish this campaign.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo might have missed a penalty in the second period, but he scored his 50th goal of the season from close range late on. The attacker also set up both of Real's other goals on another productive evening. He remains the go-to player for this Real Madrid side.

Biggest gaffe

Madrid's defending for the Malaga goal was particularly poor, but Darder simply must be included here. The Malaga midfielder had an outstanding chance to equalise for the visitors late in the first half, but, after meeting a bouncing ball under no pressure whatsoever, he hit his effort over the crossbar. It would have placed an entirely different complexion on the game.

Referee performance

It was a busy evening for referee Inaki Bikandi, but he can be pretty pleased with his performance. The Spaniard was correct to award Real a penalty when Castillejo clumsily brought James to the ground, while there cannot be too many complaints with his issuing of four yellow cards. That said, there were a couple of occasions when Bikandi was a little picky and quick to blow his whistle.

What next?

Real Madrid: Los Blancos welcome Atletico Madrid to the Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. Their next league game is away to Celta Vigo next Sunday.

Malaga: Malaga return to league action at home to Deportivo La Coruna next Sunday.