Real Madrid Vs Malaga, Karim-Casemiro-CR7(3-2) Diago- Castro 2017/18 La Liga

Karim Benzema 9', Casemiro 21', CR7 76'

Cristiano Ronaldo aching they're in the closing as did the Real Madrid malignancy second unconvincing performance at an unimpressed Santiago Bernabeu.Five-goal spanking edges Real to within seven points of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

However, after seeing Lionel Messi put pen to paper on a new deal, Barca are the ones who will have enjoyed their Saturday more as Real struggled against a Malaga side rooted in the relegation zone.

Ronaldo was made to wait for his first league goal since October 14 but did at least tee up the opener for Karim Benzema when his header came off the bar after nine minutes and the Frenchman nodded into an empty net.

Diego Rolan quickly leveled for Malaga before Casemiro's powerful header restored Real's lead.

However, a blunder from Kiko Casilla just before the hour mark gave Madrid more work to do as he allowed Chory Castro's drive through his grasp to level once more for Malaga.

Madrid has complained loud and clear about their lack of penalties so far this season, but their wait ended when Luka Modric was upended in the box 15 minutes from time.

Even from the spot, Ronaldo couldn't find the net as Roberto saved, but Ronaldo smashed home the rebound for just his second La Liga goal of the season.

Ronaldo's long wait for a La Liga goal is finally over and the relief on the face of the Portuguese was palpable.

Roberto in the Malaga goal seemed determined to keep the World Player of the Year's drought going with two stunning first-half stops.

The former Atletico stopper even saved Ronaldo's penalty 15 minutes from time, but he followed up to smash home the rebound and ease the tension around a nervy Bernabeu.Heard the one about the biggest and richest club in the world supposedly being the put-upon ones? You have now.

Real's singing section held up red cards directed towards the Spanish federation's referee's chief Victoriano Sanchez Arminio as the game began.

The reason for the protest was that Madrid has not been awarded a single penalty in La Liga this season until today.

Madrid sports daily AS claimed Real have had 10 appeals waived away that have potentially cost them nine points as they have slipped up against Valencia, Real Betis, Girona and Atletico Madrid.

There will be few complaints coming from the Madrid press this week, though, as well as finally getting a spot kick, Malaga were controversially denied a second equalizer on the stroke of half-time for a push on Dani Carvajal by Paul Baysse.

Malaga remains rooted in the relegation zone after a seventh away trip of the season without registering a single point.

Performances have improved in recent weeks as the club have surprisingly kept faith with a former Madrid legend Michel and there was again enough to suggest that the Andalusians could dig themselves out of trouble.

Easier away days are also to come as Malaga have already paid their dues in visits of Barca, Madrid, Atletico, Sevilla, Valencia, and Villarreal.

How Real now regret not splashing out for David de Gea when they had the chance in the summer.

Keylor Navas's consistent injury problems have meant Kiko Casilla playing far more than they bargained for.

The former Espanyol 'keeper hasn't covered himself in glory in defeats at Girona and Spurs in recent weeks, but this was his biggest blunder to date.