By: Lucky Khanyile

Cristiano Ronaldo’s solitary strike proved to be enough for Real Madrid to win over Malaga at the La Rosaleda Stadium on Saturday.

The Portuguese superstar took on the defenders before volleying home a sublime effort to the bottom corner in the 23rd minute.

Ronaldo has scored in 25 occasions in the league for Los Blancos this season. The visitors enjoyed ball possession in the opening 20 minutes as Ronaldo continued to be a threat to the home side.

Madrid came to this game determined to win after Malaga beat them 3-2 last season.

The capital club was skipped by Marcelo for the first time in the official match. Isco started for visitors against his former employers and he should have punished them when he missed a one on one opportunity in the second half.

After a sloppy start, the home side got their first chance in the 12^th minuteas Roque Santa Cruz header went over the cross bar after Nordin Amrabats delivered a great cross from right wing.

Madrid was forced to take Karim Benzema offafter he collided with Cristiano Ronaldo after Bale’s cross. Angel Di Maria was introduced in Benzema’s place.

Pepe was lucky not to get his marching orders after he caught Malaga’s skipper Duda on the knee with his studs.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after netting his 25th goal of the season. Pictures by Soccerway.

At the later stages of the game, the home side was pressing as they searched for the equalizer. Sergio Sanchez got a chance with 6 minutes to go at the edge of the box but he stroke wide off the mark.

“The match was very difficult because Malaga pushed hard, we had opportunities for a second but had no luck,’’ Madridboss Carlo Ancelotti was quoted as saying on FourFourTwo.

Malaga remains in the relegation zone in the 13^th spot.

Madrid is now six points clear at the summit of the La Liga and their next game is a much anticipated El clasico against Barcelona on the 24^th this month.