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 took the lead midway through the first half when Gareth Bale delivered the ball in to Cristiano Ronaldo, who cut inside his man before firing an effort into the bottom corner.

It was almost 2-0 moments later as the same duo combined to cause Malaga more problems, with Bale picking out Ronaldo at the back post only for the prolific striker to put his shot wide.

Malaga's best chance of the first half came with just five minutes to go until the break when Samuel latched onto Nordin Amrabat's cross, but Marcelo made a fine block to deny the Spaniard.

Madrid almost got a second in stoppage time of the first period when once again Bale acted as provider to Ronaldo, sending in a cross that the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner nodded over.

The visitors should have doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the restart when Angel di Maria carried the ball a long way before setting up Isco, but the Spanish midfielder sent his shot high and wide of the target.

Malaga had an opportunity to level things up with 13 minutes left of the match when the ball fell to Sergio Sanchez on the edge of the box, but his volley was some way off target.

Madrid responded by creating a chance of their own two minutes later, but once again Ronaldo failed to find the target having risen highest to get on the end of Di Maria's corner.

The visitors had a big opportunity to seal all three points late on when Jese Rodriguez found space inside the box, but his eventual shot was straight at Wilfredo Caballero.

Madrid did manage to hold on, however, putting the pressure back on Atletico and Barcelona as they extended their lead at the top to six points.