Real Madrid record 16th consecutive win
Benzema and Bale score a goal each to lead their team to victory
Madrid: Real Madrid recorded a club record 16th consecutive win in all competitions with a 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday to move five points clear at the top of La Liga. Karim Benzema opened the scoring when he turned home Cristiano Ronaldo’s low cross after just 18 minutes to register his 13th goal of the season. Malaga ‘keeper Carlos Kameni then kept his side in the game with a string of impressive saves as Ronaldo was held scoreless for the first time in the league this season.
However, Gareth Bale smashed home a second seven minutes from time and the visitors held on despite having Isco sent-off moments later and seeing Roque Santa Cruz half the hosts’ deficit in stoppage time.
Atletico Madrid triumph in tense match
Champions Atletico Madrid leapfrogged Barcelona into second place in La Liga with 2-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna on Sunday, which was overshadowed by clashes between rival fans before kick-off.
On the field, Atletico once again relied on their expertise from set-pieces to claim all three points as Saul Niguez headed in from Koke’s free-kick just before half-time. And Arda Turan’s deflected effort doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the break as Deportivo could only clear a corner to the edge of the area.