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La Liga

Mar 15, 2014 at 7pm UK

Malaga
0-1
Real Madrid

FT(HT: 0-1)

Ronaldo (23')

Half-Time Report: Cristiano Ronaldo gives Real Madrid lead over Malaga

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 15 March 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo scores the only goal of the first half to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead against Malaga in their La Liga encounter this evening.

Real Madrid have taken a 1-0 lead into the halfway stage of their La Liga match with Malaga this evening, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo strike.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with Xabi Alonso and Marcelo after scoring Real's opening goal during the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on March 15, 2014 © Getty Images

The visitors had a big shout for a penalty turned down after just nine minutes when Gareth Bale was sent to the ground by Marcos Angeleri, only for the referee to wave the claims away.

They did get the opening goal midway through the half, however, as Bale made his way down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Ronaldo, who moved inside before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

The same duo combined again just two minutes later as Bale picked out Ronaldo at the back post with an accurate cross, but this time the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner could not convert.

Malaga's first clear chance of the match came with just five minutes of the half remaining when Nordin Amrabat found Samuel with a cross, but Marcelo was on hand to make a vital block.

Ronaldo had another chance to double his personal tally in the closing stages of the half when Bale once again picked him out, but he couldn't keep his header down.