The match got off to a vibrant start. Two and a half minutes in and a powerful free kick by Cristiano Ronaldo 30 metres from the penalty area, led to a spectacular save by Willy without the ball even touching the crossbar, which sent the crowd into euphoria. With Casillas on the bench, Real Madrid took the initiative during the first few minutes of play, as Málaga began to gain the rhythm of the match.
The first chance for the Blue and Whites came after 20 minutes. A good pass from Eliseu set up a chance for Joaquín, who sent the ball way over Adán’s goal area. Manuel Pellegrini’s men were precise in their game play, and began to impose their usual style of football.
Real Madrid had another chance to open the scoring in minute 24, again from Cristiano following a pass from Di María. The Portuguese-born star player created no real danger for Willy Caballero with his second attempt at goal. However it was Di María who only seconds later had a shot at goal, but Monreal arrived in time to deviate the ball away from the penalty area. Jose Mourinho’s men ended the first half having dominated ball possession, and created more goal opportunities than the Blue and Whites.
Three minutes into the second half, and a pass from Joaquín in the penalty area set up a goal for Isco, who slammed the ball into the back of Adán’s net to open the scoring and put the locals in the lead by 1-0.
Málaga continued to look for a speedy second goal to increase their advantage on the score board, and nearly made it only three minutes later with a powerful cross from Portillo, which was intercepted by Adán. Joaquín tried a second time, just missing the goal by millimetres. This was the most impressive part of the match for the Blue and Whites, who showed excellent movement on the pitch and good chances at goal, which was somewhat lacking in the first half.
It wasn’t until minute 57 that Real Madrid made their presence felt in the second half, with a shot from Benzema from in front of the goal, however he was unable to get the ball in the net. Luck wasn’t on Málaga’s side however, as another chance came for Benzema in front of the six-yard box, leading to an own goal by Sergio Sánchez. Özil could easily have scored another Madrid goal, but the ball was sent to a corner by Jesús Gámez.
Determined to score a second goal, the home side, dressed in the green strip for this match, went into the lead in the 73rd minute. A pass from Gámez on the right just brushed the bar, with Joaquín attempting to find the goal, which led to Roque Santa Cruz scoring his first goal of the game.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men were unstoppable after this second goal. Another impressive attacking display from Joaquín led to another shot at glory for Roque Santa Cruz, who scored Málaga’s third goal, putting them in front by 3-1.
Quality game play by Real Madrid soon followed, and a pass from Özil set up a goal for Benzema, putting them a goal nearer to equalising with the La Rosaleda outfit. There were a tense few moments towards the end of the match, as the Whites were desperate to score a third goal, to move closer to FC Barcelona in the League table.
Despite a nail-biting end, Manuel Pellegrini’s men achieved an historic victory against a rival who they haven’t defeated at La Rosaleda for several years.
Match stats
MÁLAGA CF: Wily, Jesús Gámez, Demichelis, Camacho, Joaquín (Seba, min. 84), Saviola (Santa Cruz, min. 64), Monreal, Eliseu, Portillo (Iturra, min. 69), Sergio Sánchez and Isco.
REAL MADRID CF: Adán, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Khedira, Ronaldo, Benzamá, Özil, Alonso (Modric, min. 75), Essien, Arbeloa (Callejón, min. 57) and Di María (Kaka, min. 63).
GOALS:
1-0: Isco (min. 48).
1-1: Sergio Sánchez (p.p) (min. 65).
2-1: Santa Cruz (min. 73).
3-1: Santa Cruz (min. 75).
3-2: Benzema (min. 83).
REFEREE: Hernández Hernández, (Las Palmas). Yellow cards were awarded to Sergio Ramos (min. 29), Ronaldo (min. 69), Jesús Gámez (min. 77), Joaquín (min. 83) and Khedira (min. 91).
INFORMATION: 17th BBVA League match of the season, held at La Rosaleda stadium in front of 28,004 fans. Before the match, Málaga CF’s Isco received his Golden Boy 2012-2013 trophy, naming him as the best Under-21 player in Europe. Málaga CF players went on to the pitch wearing shirts in support of Barcelona coach, Tito Vilanova, who recently had an operation to remove a tumour.
