Real Madrid travelled to Malaga on Saturday needing three points to at least stay in touch with second-placed Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table.
Madrid enjoyed the better of the chances in the opening period, but it remained 0-0 at the interval with both teams defending well.
It was Malaga who opened the scoring in the early stages of the second period, however, when Isco fired a cool effort into the bottom corner.
Madrid were level after 67 minutes, however, when Sergio Sanchez turned into his own net following a tussle with Karim Benzema.
But Malaga secured all the points when Roque Santa Cruz scored a double in the second half, despite Benzema adding a consolation for Madrid late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live coverage of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage continues with arguably the standout fixture of week 17 as fourth-placed Malaga welcome Real Madrid to the La Rosaleda. The home side are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions, while Madrid have now gone two games without a win having drawn with Espanyol and lost to Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey.
Madrid have dominated the recent meetings against Malaga, however, winning four and drawing one of the last five matches. They have also scored 16 goals in those five matches, conceding just three. However, despite financial troubles, Malaga have emerged into a very tidy outfit this season.
With the league title almost certainly gone for Madrid, the Champions League now takes on added importance. Mourinho’s side have been drawn against Manchester United in the knockout stages of the competition. Meanwhile, Malaga will face Porto in the latter stages. Defeat for the home side this evening could drop them into fifth should other results go against them, but the pressure is certainly on Madrid once more.
Just a reminder that following this match we have the final La Liga fixture before the winter break as Athletic Bilbao welcome Real Zaragoza to San Mames. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Everything surrounding this match is pointing to a score draw, but I think Madrid have enough to recover with all three points this evening.
Teams:
Malaga: Caballero; Gamez, Demichelis, Monreal, Sanchez; Camacho, Joaquin, Eliseu, Isco; Portillo, Saviola
Real Madrid: Adan; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Essien; Khedira, Ozil, Alonso; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Benzema
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Sensational team news for Madrid this evening with Iker Casillas starting the match on the bench. Oh to be a fly in the room when that conversation happened. However, Benzema returns for the away side. Madrid get the action underway.
Just a quick word on Casillas. It is the first time the goalkeeper has not started for Madrid in a league match for 10 years. What an incredible situation. What is Mourinho's thinking behind that? But his side have dominated the opening stages of this match as Cristiano Ronaldo is bundled over by Camacho outside the box.
SAVE! Oh my word. What a sensational save from Willy Caballero. Ronaldo struck the resulting free kick with force, with the ball dipping all over the place. However, the goalkeeper managed to negotiate the flight and palm it to safety. Sensational stuff all round there.
The pressure continues from Madrid as they force two more free kicks in and around the Malaga box. However, the danger is headed clear by Monreal on each occasion. Nothing much from the home side as an attacking threat in the early stages of this match. In fact they have hardly seen the ball.
First real spell of possession for the home side with Camacho linking with Joaquin down the left, but Arbeloa comes across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Portillo puts in a strong challenge on Ronaldo much to the frustration of the Madrid team. These opening eight minutes have flown by and in truth it has been all Madrid.
The challenges are flying in in the early stages of this match make no mistake about that. Arbeloa and Portillo are the main culprits as they both put in high tackles in quick succession. However, the referee does well to keep his cards in his pocket. It cannot be overestimated how important this match is this evening. For both sides.
Half-chance for Malaga as Joaquin attempts to find the run of Saviola, but the linesman raises his flag. Replays have shown that the striker was indeed onside. He would have had a clear run at Adan had the correct decision been made there. You just get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could have a huge effect on the final result.
The tackles continue to fly in as we approach the 15-minute mark in the match. However, the referee lets the play flow and all credit to him for that. No-one wants to see a match interrupted at every instant. Nothing much in terms of attacking chances at the moment, but Malaga are enjoying more of the ball.
Slightly untidy period of the match at the moment with both teams flying into unnecessary challenges. The referee has attempted to let the match flow, but has been unable to in the last couple of minutes. No real chances for either side thus far. However, it is an even contest in terms of possession.
Half-chance for the home side as Joaquin is bundled over outside the penalty area by Ramos. However, the resulting free kick from the winger is poor and Adan manages to thump the danger clear. If you have just joined us, Casillas has been dropped for Madrid this evening. No injury. Purely tactical reasons. How tactical can a goalkeeper really be?!
Penalty shout for the home side as Essien appears to handle in the penalty area, but the referee waves play on. It has been some opening to the match for the officials. The challenges continue to fly in and it is influencing the quality of the attacking play from both sides.
It's really good football from Malaga as Sergio Sanchez combines with Eliseu before whipping a low cross into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared. Joaquin collects possession on the edge of the penalty area, but his effort is fired over the crossbar. Wonderful ability from those in a Malaga shirt. They are a really good outfit there is no doubt about that.
Again it's flowing football from the home side as they force their way into the Madrid box with Eliseu and Isco both involved. However, Ramos just steps across Saviola at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. Make no mistake about it, Malaga are in the driving seat here. But the score remains 0-0.
Decent possession from Madrid in the last couple of moments with Alonso and Khedira enjoying possession of the ball. But it would be no exaggeration to say that Di Maria and Benzema have hardly touched the ball in the opening 26 minutes of action. Malaga are squeezing the play in midfield and there is simply no room to operate in the final third.
CHANCE! OH MY WORD! Stunning miss from Ronaldo. Benzema collects possession on the right before driving a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo found himself unmarked with the goal gaping, but somehow fired over the crossbar. That pretty much sums up how things are going for Madrid at the moment.
Another chance for the away side as Ronaldo searches out Di Maria with a wonderful cross. The Argentine's first touch is wonderful as he brings it out of the air, but his second allows the defender to come in on his blind side and clear the danger. Madrid should be ahead here as we approach the 30-minute mark in the match.
End-to-end football at the moment as Ronaldo threatens with a strike from long range. Meanwhile, Eliseu attempts to combine with Joaquin down the other end, but he is chopped down by Ramos. The resulting free kick is taken by Joaquin, but Pepe rises highest to clear the danger.
Half-chance for Malaga this time as Monreal meets a corner from Joaquin, but he can only head straight at Adan. Meanwhile, slight stoppage in play here as Sanchez receives treatment for a bloodied nose. It does not look too clever. He could well have broken the bone there.
The challenges continue to fly in as Essien challenges Eliseu. There was not a great deal in it, but due to the opening 35 minutes, the temperature is raised once more. Fair play to Sanchez, meanwhile, as the defender returns to the pitch after receiving treatment. He is a proper central defender there is no doubt about that.
Decent pressure from Madrid as they launch a couple of high balls into the Malaga penalty area, but the danger is cleared with relative ease. Meanwhile, the home side's threat has disappeared in the past 10 minutes or so. Ronaldo has another half-chance at the back post, but his effort was tame and straight at the goalkeeper.
Little over five minutes of the half remaining and Madrid have dominated possession of the ball for the past couple of minutes. However, they are continuing to struggle to find that elusive final pass. They eventually manage to find Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It has been that type of half thus far.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Ozil whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Pepe cannot make proper contact with his head and it drifts out for a goal kick. It would be fair to state that the away side are in control of this match as we enter the remaining minutes of the half. But still we remain 0-0.
Mourinho continues to fidget on the sideline as he watches his side pass up opportunity after opportunity. They have certainly been the better side in this half, but you just know what Malaga will improve after the interval. It would be in keeping with their season thus far if Malaga went down the other end and scored before the interval.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. Malaga's performance has dropped after an encouraging start. Madrid should be ahead, but they have missed two guilt-edged chances.
Malaga 0-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. A tightly-contested opening half of football is brought to an end with the score level at 0-0. Madrid have enjoyed the better of the chances, but Malaga have defended well thus far. Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football.
Madrid have dominated the possession with 54% of the ball. Meanwhile, they have had five attempts to Malaga's two. Both of these sides have the best defensive record in the league. From this performance thus far it is easy to see why. It is the kind of match that could be won by the odd goal.
The standout chance of the match came to Ronaldo when the Portuguese met a low cross from Benzema, but somehow he fired over the crossbar from close range. Malaga started the evening well, but have struggled for any real attacking pressure.
Another half-time to bring you from La Liga. Osasuna and Granada are level at 1-1 at the interval. Just a reminder that Real Mallorca recorded a 2-1 win over Real Betis earlier this afternoon. Meanwhile, Barcelona picked up a 3-1 win away to Real Valladolid. As it stands Madrid are an incredible 15 points behind Barcelona.
Here we go then. Malaga get the action underway in the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. Although I would expect that to change as the half develops. For me, Di Maria has disappointed once more. He has been poor all season. Be sure to remain with me for the second 45 minutes of action.
Decent start from Malaga as Eliseu picks up possession before striking an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. I mentioned this early in the commentary, but you just get the feeling that the first goal could decide this match. Both of these teams look ever so comfortable in defence at the moment.
Half-chance for Di Maria as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was never troubling the goalkeeper. The tempo is slightly slow at the beginning of this period as both teams attempt to gain some sort of control of the possession.
GOAL! Malaga 1-0 Real Madrid (Isco)
First blood to Malaga! Joaquin is the craftsman as he beats two challenges before finding Isco on the edge of the area and the midfielder slots his effort into the bottom corner. How do Madrid respond from here? Sensational from the Spaniard.
Malaga go in search of their second as Portillo evades two challenges before finding Camacho outside the box, but his effort is blocked by Pepe. The home supporters have found their voice here. What would another home goal do to Madrid? Some 40 minutes of football left in this match.
Another half-chance for Malaga as Saviola collects possession outside the penalty area before striking towards the bottom corner, but Adan gets across to make the save. The resulting corner is taken by Joaquin, but the Madrid goalkeeper comes a long way to punch clear.
The chances continue to fall for the home side as Joaquin collects possession before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves past the post. It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment with Madrid struggling for any sort of possession. Defeat here would leave them 16 points behind Barcelona.
What on earth is happening to Madrid here? Malaga come close to making it two as Portillo strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just moves past the post. Surely it is time for a change for the away side. Benzema and Di Maria have not touched the ball in this second period. Quite incredible turn of events.
Half-chance for Madrid to level the score as Benzema collects a high pass from Essien before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Demichelis comes across to make the block. Malaga advance immediately down the other end, but this time Pepe denies Joaquin. End-to-end stuff here.
Another sighter for Madrid as Benzema strikes a long-range effort, but it was always moving past the most. Meanwhile, Madrid make their first change of the evening as Jose Callejon replaces Arbeloa. But you get the feeling that they could be caught out on the counter. Could they recover from 2-0 down?! Not for me.
Wonderful challenge from Demichelis as the defender comes across to deny Ronaldo with a last-ditch tackle. Sensational stuff there. It is easy to see why Malaga have the best defensive record in the league this season. They are incredibly well organised in this match.
Madrid continue to hassle and harry the Malaga midfield, but they cannot find that elusive final pass with the home side's defence in sensational form. Meanwhile, in Isco they have a player who is prepared to take control of the ball and find his teammates. Another change for Madrid as Kaka replaces the non-existent Di Maria.
Malaga respond with a change of their own as the ever-willing Saviola is replaced by Roque Santa Cruz. The Manchester City striker has been among the goals in recent weeks. What a time it would be to continue his recent record. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in this one.
GOAL! Malaga 1-1 Real Madrid (Sanchez OG)
OH MY WORD. Incredible slice of luck for Madrid here as Benzema falls over in the penalty area only to see Sanchez come in behind him and convert into his own net. It has not yet been confirmed whether it last come off the striker or the defender. Not that Madrid will care at this stage.
Madrid attempt to move ahead as Ozil plays a one-two with Khedira in the penalty area, but Sanchez comes from nowhere to clear the danger. Suddenly the away side look the team most capable of winning this match. What a final period we have on our hands.
Malaga make another change as Portillo is replaced by Manuel Iturra. Meanwhile, Ronaldo picks up a yellow card for deliberate handball outside the penalty area. The free kick is taken by Joaquin, but Santa Cruz jus strayed into an offside position.
GOAL! Malaga 2-1 Real Madrid (Santa Cruz)
WOW! Malaga are back ahead and it's that man Santa Cruz once more. It's wonderful play from Joaquin as the winger collects possession before squaring for the striker, who could not miss from inside the box. Incredible.
Right, little over 15 minutes of football to play in this match and Malaga lead 2-1. Signs of petulance from Madrid as they continue to give away free kicks. Time is against them. Surely they cannot afford to lose this match? But it is Malaga who look the most likely to add to the scoring.
GOAL! Malaga 3-1 Real Madrid (Santa Cruz)
What is happening here? Again it's brilliant football from the home side as Joaquin finds Santa Cruz in the box and the striker evades the challenge of Pepe before firing his effort into the bottom corner. Meanwhile, Alonso is replaced by Modric for Madrid.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in this match and Malaga lead 3-1. There has been no response from Madrid, rather the home side look the team most likely to add to the scoring. Surely there is nothing left in this match for the away side. Where will it leave Mourinho?
Santa Cruz continues to cause Madrid problems as he hassles and harries in the final third. Pepe hits the deck under the challenge of Isco and there appears to be handbags here. The referee is going over to talk to his linesman and the defender receives a yellow card.
Incredible save from Caballero once more as he denies Ronaldo from close range. However, the offside flag was indeed raised. Not that the goalkeeper knew that when he made the stunning save.
GOAL! Malaga 3-2 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Real Madrid are back in this match as Ozil robs possession from Camacho before rolling across to Benzema and the Frenchman made no mistake from close range. Meanwhile, Malaga make their final change as Joaquin is replaced by Sebastian Fernandez.
Is there to be late drama in this match? The pressure is all coming from Madrid at the moment with a host of high balls being fired into the penalty area. The latest comes from Kaka, but the Malaga goalkeeper comes to collect. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Malaga are just keeping hold of the possession as we enter the final three minutes of normal time. Pass, pass, pass with the entire home team involved in keeping the ball from Madrid. But you just get the feeling that there is still something left in this match. Another goal. Can Madrid score? They always score.
Nothing much from Madrid as Malaga continue to frustrate as they keep possession of the ball. How many added minutes will be awarded at the end of the match? We will soon find out. Madrid drive forward with Modric, but Demichelis manages to hook clear at the vital moment.
Pepe attempts to go alone as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the goal. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football at the end of the match.
The onslaught from Madrid has not arrived with Malaga almost comfortable in the remaining minutes of the match. Little over 30 seconds remaining in this match and still the home side lead. If Madrid are to secure a point then it simply has to come now. It really is now or never.
Malaga 3-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Malaga shade the five-goal thriller and surely end Madrid's title bid for this season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action from Bilbao. Until then!
