Evening all! Our La Liga coverage resumes from La Rosaleda as Malaga welcome Real Madrid. A much-needed three points arrived for the home side on Monday evening as they beat Osasuna in Pamplona, but they remain just two points from the relegation zone. Madrid, meanwhile, enter the match knowing that victory would move them six points clear of rivals Atletico Madrid at the top of the division.

TEAMS:

MALAGA: Caballero; Angeleri, Sanchez, Flavio, Antunes; Samuel, Camacho, Tissone, Amrabat; Duda; Santa Cruz

MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Alonso, Modric, Isco; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Malaga XI this evening with Duda once more providing support to lone forward Roque Santa Cruz. There is also a spot in midfield for Samuel. Madrid, meanwhile, recall Raphael Varane and Isco to their starting side, with Sergio Ramos and Angel di Maria - who are both one booking away from missing El Clasico next weekend - named on the bench by Carlo Ancelotti.

.@isco_alarcon vuelve a La Rosaleda. #MalagaRealMadrid #RMLive pic.twitter.com/iXxGGKRln5 — Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) March 15, 2014

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won three of the last five matches, with Malaga also winning once and the further clash ending in a draw. Los Blancos were 2-0 winners in the reverse match at the Bernabeu this season, but lost 3-2 when they travelled to La Rosaleda last season.

3.3 - Real Madrid have averaged 3.3 goals per game on their last three league visits to La Rosaleda. Bravery. — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 15, 2014

In truth, it has been a poor season for Malaga, who were around two minutes from making the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. Their position of 13th might seem secure, but they are just two points from the relegation zone. Incredibly, just four points separates 18th-place Rayo Vallecano from 12th-place Granada. That is an indication of how the battle at the bottom is shaping up.

Five of Malaga's seven league wins this season have been on their own patch, where they have also lost six times. They have also lost six games on their travels, winning just twice in the process. Last time out in the league they overcame Osasuna 2-0, but their last match in this stadium brought a 1-1 draw against lowly Real Valladolid at the start of the month. Home form becomes vital at this stage of the campaign.

Finding the back of the net has been a problem for Malaga this season with just 26 in their 27 matches. Madrid, however, are the leading scorers in the league with 76. Down the other end, Malaga have fared much better with just 35 conceded, while Madrid have conceded 26, which is the third-best record in the league behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who sit second and third respectively.

Los Blancos continued their incredible run of form last weekend with a comfortable 3-0 win over Levante. Dropped points for Barcelona meant that Carlo Ancelotti's side finished Week 26 with a four-point lead over the Catalan outfit. What's more, Madrid have not lost in any competition since suffering a 2-1 defeat on the road to Barcelona at the end of October 2013.

17 - Real Madrid are unbeaten in 17 consecutive league games (W14 D3); the best run of any Primera side this term. Impulse.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 15, 2014

Madrid also arrive at La Rosaleda boasting the strongest away record in the league this season. They have won nine of their 14 matches, drawing four times and losing just once. They are also comfortably the leading scorers on their travels with 34 goals, which is 14 more than Atletico and six more than Barcelona.

PREDICTION: You have to think that Real Madrid will drop points at some stage before the end of the season, but I do not expect that to occur this evening. Malaga have players that could hurt Los Blancos, but I just cannot see them keeping Madrid out. My prediction this evening is 3-1 Real Madrid.

1 - Bernd Schuster has only won one of his 7 meetings with his former side as a La Liga manager (D2 L4); 1-0 with Getafe in 2006. Challenge.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 15, 2014

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Malaga need to ride out the opening 15 minutes or so with a clean sheet. Right, the away side get the action underway.

Bonito mosaico en #LaRosaleda con la luna de testigo. #VamosMalaga! #corajeycorazon pic.twitter.com/YRMVlug90u

— Málaga CLUBdeFÚTBOL (@MalagaCF) March 15, 2014

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. As expected, Los Blancos have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. Benzema is immediately involved, but the Frenchman loses out in a heavy challenge with Sergio Sanchez. Bright start to proceedings.

It is a warm evening in Malaga, while the pitch is in brilliant condition - perfect for a game of football. Not too much to report in terms of attacking moments thus far, but Madrid are making the early running. Malaga want a free kick just outside the Madrid box as Amrabat falls under pressure from Pepe, but the referee is not interested, which brings a furious reaction from the home supporters.

Opportunity for the away side to threaten from a wide free kick as Amrabat brings Ronaldo to the ground. The resulting set piece is whipped into the Malaga box by Modric, but Pepe cannot rise under pressure from Sanchez. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening six minutes, with Madrid in control of the possession in forward areas.

PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Madrid as Bale tumbles under contact from Angeleri, but the referee is not interested. For me, that is a clear spot kick. Good pressing from Los Blancos as they continue to force the issue with eight minutes on the clock. All one-way traffic.

Malaga's first sight of goal arrives from the left-back as Antunes finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Moments later, Samuel gains a free kick in a wide position as the Spaniard tumbles under pressure from Madrid right-back Carvajal.

Half-chance for the home side as Amrabat latches onto a poor pass from Marcelo before delivering towards Santa Cruz, but Lopez is out to claim at the vital moment. Ronaldo has a half-chance down the other end moments later, but his effort is straight at Caballero. Chances at both ends with 13 minutes on the clock.

Another half-chance for the home side as Santa Cruz meets a cross from Amrabat, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar under pressure from Pepe. Much better from Malaga in the last few minutes, but Madrid remain a serious threat on the break with the pace and movement of Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo. Still goalless.

Amrabat continues to threaten for the home side as he evades Marcelo before delivering into the Madrid box, but Pepe is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, however, with 17 minutes on the clock. Plenty for the home supporters to be pleased with after a slow start from their side.

Comedy moment from Angeleri as the Malaga defender attempts to thump one from some 40 yards, but instead slices it behind him. Luckily for the Argentine, Sanchez is on hand to clear. Duda goes down inside the Madrid box moments later, but there is nothing in it. Not too much from Madrid in the last 10 minutes.

The first booking of the game is handed to Antunes as the Malaga left-back brings Bale to the ground down the right. The resulting set piece is delivered by the left foot of Marcelo, but Caballero is on hand to claim and gains a free kick of his own. Los Blancos have not really got going since a bright opening 10 minutes.

Wonderful, just wonderful. Bale drives down the right before delivering towards Ronaldo, who cuts inside before drilling one into the bottom corner. Just sensational from the La Liga leaders once more.

CHANCE! Brilliant chance for Madrid to score their second as Bale sets up Ronaldo at the far post once more, but somehow he fires wide of the post. Malaga just cannot cope at the moment as Los Blancos continue to up the tempo. This match could get away from them extremely quickly if they are not careful.

Malaga manage to ease the pressure with a period of possession down the left. Amrabat combines with Duda before delivering into the box, but Pepe is on hand to clear. Bale is on his bike down the other end moments later, but is once more felled by Sanchez. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Malaga.

Appears to be a slight problem for Benzema as the Madrid forward leaves the field before undergoing treatment, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue. In fairness to Malaga, they have managed to stem the flow of pressure, but Madrid look capable of scoring each time they break into the final third.

18 - Cristiano Ronaldo has participated in more goals against Malaga than against any other La Liga side (13 goals and five assists). Bomb. — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 15, 2014

Benzema is really struggling at the moment and it does appear that the Frenchman will be forced to leave the field. Malaga have a half-chance moments later as Amrabat finds some space inside the Madrid box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Lopez. Much better from the hosts with 32 minutes on the clock.

Madrid are indeed forced into the change as Di Maria replaces Benzema. That is a blow for Morata and Jese, who are both also on the bench. It appears that Ronaldo will play down the middle rather than Isco. Malaga are still very much in the game with 33 minutes on the clock, but Madrid have the lead.

It's bright work from Di Maria as the Argentine finds some space in a wide position before delivering towards Ronaldo, but the Portuguese cannot make contact at the vital moment. Malaga break down the other end with Santa Cruz, but Duda eventually fires wide of the post after good defending from centre-back Pepe.

Possession football from the away side in the last few minutes as they continue to dominate the ball in the Malaga half. You just get the feeling that Malaga need to score the next goal if they are to take something from this match. It would be difficult to imagine Madrid throwing away a two-goal lead in this type of form.

CHANCE! Malaga's best chance arrives five minutes before the interval as Samuel meets a cross from Amrabat, but Marcelo is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment. Better from the hosts.

In fairness to the home supporters, they have remained with their side despite Madrid in control of the possession for long spells. Malaga do have the chance to break moments later with Antunes, but the left-back eventually fires high and wide of the crossbar. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.

37' Málaga 0-1 Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo abrió el marcador #MalagaRealMadrid #RMLive pic.twitter.com/OtqUKKxnAI — Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) March 15, 2014

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo once more as Bale delivers a stunning ball onto the head of the Portuguese, but his effort is high of the crossbar. He might have had a hat-trick this half.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a fine finish from Ronaldo. The home side have had their moments, but the clearer chances have fallen to Madrid and especially Ronaldo, who has had three or four golden opportunities.

STATISTICS: Madrid have just about shaded the possession with 54%, while they have hit the target with three of their five attempts. Malaga, meanwhile, have had seven attempts, but registered just one on target. Just the one booking, meanwhile, with Malaga left-back Antunes carded for a lunge on Bale.

BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of El Hamdaoui, Iakovenko, Juanmi and Perez. Madrid, meanwhile, have already been forced to withdraw Benzema for Di Maria, but they still have the likes of Morata and Jese in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Real Madrid are moving six points clear at the top of the table. Just a reminder that following this match, Atletico Madrid welcome Espanyol - be sure to remain with us for that. Malaga get the second 45 minutes underway.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider changes if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital this evening.

Bright start to the second period from Malaga as Amrabat delivers a dangerous cross towards the near post, but Pepe is on hand to clear. The home side force a corner through Duda moments later, but Lopez is on hand to collect. Di Maria is down the other end moments later, but Flavio just forces Isco off the ball.

Another sight of goal for the home side as Samuel strikes one from outside the box, but Lopez is on hand to make the save. A sloppy pass from Carvajal hands Malaga possession outside the Madrid area once more, but Alonso is across to challenge Duda. Madrid suddenly look a bit nervous in defensive areas at La Rosaleda.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Madrid to score their second as Di Maria carries the ball the length of the field before putting it on a plate for Isco, but he fires high and wide of the crossbar.

Bale shows his incredible pace as the Welshman drives past two defenders before delivering a low cross into the box, but Caballero is on hand to claim at the vital moment. Malaga remain a threat, but Madrid continue to show their incredible ability on the counter. They have pace, power and movement in abundance.

Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and still Madrid lead courtesy of that Ronaldo strike. Amrabat remains the main threat for the home side as he stings the palms of Lopez with an effort from distance, before Isco gains a corner down the other end from Angeleri. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals, but it could go either way with opportunities at both ends.

We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be considering alterations. Neither side is really in control at the moment with both having half-chances. Malaga have a sight of goal as Samuel finds some space ahead of Carvajal, but Pepe is on hand to make the block. Moments later, Duda goes down following a high challenge from Pepe, which was accidental.

Duda is fuming with the referee as he leaves the field and the Malaga skipper picks up a yellow card for his troubles. It must be said that the damage on his knee is there for all to see. That has certainly spiced up the second period at La Rosaleda. Possession football for Los Blancos with 63 minutes on the clock.

Madrid make their second change of the match as Isco is replaced by Jese Rodriguez. Safe to say that Isco is not best pleased with the decision, but does shake the hand of Ancelotti. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga clash. It has not been pretty, but it has been effective for Madrid thus far.

Malaga continue to enjoy plenty of the ball in the final third, but are not really threatening Lopez, who has been a spectator aside from a couple of long-distance efforts. These are the type of games that win titles, however, and Madrid continue to hold onto their lead. Chances have been at a premium in the second half.

Sanchez attempts to invent something for Malaga as the defender lifts a cross behind Pepe, but Varane just does enough to clear at the vital moment. Moments later, the home side make two changes as Iakovenko and Portillo replace Samuel and Tissone. Still more than 20 minutes for Malaga to find something here.

Little over 29,000 inside La Rosaleda this evening and the majority of those are hoping for a late leveller. Just a reminder that following this match, Atletico welcome Espanyol - be sure to remain with us for that one. Di Maria has possession just outside the Malaga box moments later, but his cross is too strong.

Amrabat remains the main outlet for the home side as he collects a long pass from Duda before driving a low cross into the box, but Pepe is on hand to clear the danger. Bale carries possession into the Malaga half moments later, but Di Maria's low cross is cleared by Antunes. It remains 1-0 at La Rosaleda.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Malaga to level as Sanchez collects a loose ball outside the box, but his volley is high and wide of the crossbar. The opportunity fell to the wrong player.

CHANCE! Ronaldo comes close to scoring his second as the Portuguese meets a corner from Di Maria, but somehow plants his header wide of the post. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match with little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Malaga.

Another chance for Ronaldo as the forward collects a pass from Marcelo on the edge of the box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but Caballero is on hand to make the save. Jese threatens in the Malaga box moments later, but is penalised for a push on Sanchez. Still 1-0 Madrid with 82 minutes on the clock.

Half-chance for Malaga as Amrabat combines with Portillo before driving a low cross into the Madrid box, but Pepe is across to make a fine clearance. The pressure continues from the home side as they keep the ball alive inside the Madrid box, but eventually Pepe forces it clear. Backs against the wall for Los Blancos.

Malaga continue to force the issue as Duda delivers a wonderful corner towards Santa Cruz, but Pepe is on hand to clear the danger. One-way traffic in the last few minutes, but Madrid hold on once more. Malaga will feel that they deserve to be level due to their performance in the last 15 minutes or so.

Malaga make their third and final change of the match as El Hamdaoui replaces Angeleri - a striker for a defender. The home side are going all-out here, but Madrid continue to resist the danger. Atletico and Barcelona will be watching on hoping for a late leveller. Little over one minute of normal time to play.

CHANCES! Wonderful chance for the away side to secure all the points as Jese finds himself inside the Malaga box, but his effort is straight at Caballero, who saves from Ronaldo in the next attack.

Los Blancos make their third and final change as Illarramendi replaces Modric. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.

So there we have it. Another three points for Madrid, who move six clear at the top of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Atletico against Espanyol. Until then!