Malaga

Video Rating: 5 / 5

Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice and set up another two for Gonzalo Higuain as Real Madrid moved top of the Primera Division standings with a 4-1 victory at Malaga. Madrid had been criticised for their lack of goals at the start of Jose Mourinho’s reign, but have now struck 10 times in their last two games after thumping Deportivo La Coruna 6-1 before the international break. Higuain and Ronaldo both netted in the first half to put Madrid in control and the Portugal international, who also scored a brace against Depor, added a third from the penalty spot just after the break. Malaga pulled a goal back when Kris Stadsgaard slotted in from a corner, but Madrid ensured there would be no upset as Higuain scored again in the 65th minute, the Argentinian’s seventh goal in four meetings against the Andalusian side. The victory puts Madrid a point clear of Barcelona and Valencia, although they can be replaced by Villarreal if the Yellow Submarine beat Hercules on Monday night. For Malaga, who have now lost 14 of their 19 home meetings with Madrid since 1994 and drawn the other five, the result leaves them still searching for their first points at La Rosaleda having previously lost to Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal. Although they have a huge Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday, Madrid showed no sign of having their minds elsewhere as they quickly set about taking control of the match. Higuain and Sami Khedira had both struck the woodwork with efforts from outside the …
Video Rating: 4 / 5