Real Madrid 1:1 Malaga
Benzema (35'), Cazorla (91')
It was a wake up call for Real Madrid Sunday
night at the Bernabeu. Mourinho's men, still a little worse for wear after a
mid-week Champion's League match, faced a Malaga side that, despite never
winning at the Bernabeu, was on a streak, winning their last 3 matches.
Los Blancos donned shirts showing
their support of both Eric Abidal and Fabrice Muamba, while the Bernabeu showed
its support with applause pre-game.
The first five minutes saw Iker Casillas and
Willy Caballero jump into action, Willy being forced into action in just the
second minute, blocking a neat flick from Karim Benzema, the ball nearly
looping over the 'keeper. A mere two minutes later, Cazorla found Rondon,
causing Iker to block his shot towards the corner of the goal.
Caballero was further tested by both Cristiano
and Kaka before his side could make another attempt. Monreal found his way past
Lass, setting up Isco who sent the ball wide. The 28' saw Benzema make another
attempt after linking up well with Ronaldo.
It wasn't until the 35th minute that Real Madrid
took the lead. Cristiano, in a moment of pure class, sent a brilliant cross to
Benzema who scored with an easy header.
The second half was decidedly more subdued, with
Real Madrid seemingly unable to find a second goal. On the bright side, it did
feature touching moments between Mou and several Malaga players, including Isco
and Van Nistelrooy.
The 60' saw former Real Madrid manager Manuel
Pellegrini bring on former Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, garnering
raucous applause from the Bernabeu.
Moments later, Kaka sent a marvelous ball in
towards Benzema, who was denied an easy tap-in by Monreal's last-second
clearance. The hour mark saw Kaka involved again, setting up Ronaldo who was
unable to make it past Caballero.
Jose Callejon's entrance into the game (in place
of a superb Kaka) seemed to be just what Real needed as Mesut Ozil moved
towards the middle and looked more and more dangerous. Callejon's first touch
of the ball- a header set up by Ozil- nearly resulted in a goal.
A minute later, Benzema was given the chance to
put the game in the bag for Real Madrid, Ozil sending him a great ball from the
left which the Frenchman sent wide.
The second goal of the match came in spectacular
fashion in the last play of stoppage time. Santi Cazorla sent a stunning shot
in from a free-kick from 25 yards away, the likes of which not even Iker could
stop.
The draw at the Bernabeu gave Mourhino's somewhat complacent men a
wake-up call to say the least. Los Blancos are still 8 points clear of
Barcelona at the top of the table and Malaga are now tied at fourth with
Levante.
With their 11-match winning streak in La Liga
over, Los Blancos look ahead to their match against Villarreal at El
Madrigal next week. Until then, Hala Madrid!
Next Match:
Villareal v Real Madrid. La Liga. March 21. 5:00
EST.
written by Yasmien Mizyed
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