Malaga and Real Madrid have ended the first half goalless in this evening's La Liga encounter at La Rosaleda.

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly gave Madrid the lead with just four minutes played, but his trademark free kick was palmed away by the acrobatic Willy Caballero.

Malaga were appealing for a penalty on 20 minutes as Michael Essien appeared to handle the ball, only for the referee to wave play on.

As both teams struggled to get a hold of the match, the visitors should have gone in front with 15 minutes left to play thanks to a glorious chance for Ronaldo.

However, the Portuguese forward somehow fired Karim Benzema's cross over the bar with the goal at his mercy from all of six yards.

Madrid had a final opportunity in the form of Pepe's header, but the Brazilian could only nod wide from Mesut Ozil's delivery.