Real Madrid are on course to move five points clear at the top of La Liga having taken a 1-0 lead into half time against Malaga.

Cristiano Ronaldo proved to be a threat right from the off, although he blew a big opportunity to open the scoring when failing to get the better of Carlos Kameni after being picked out inside the box.

Moments later, Iker Casillas had to be alert to deny Roque Santa Cruz from scoring his fifth career goal against Los Blancos by pushing away his headed effort.

It proved to be a big moment in the half as, with a little under 20 minutes played, Karim Benzema neatly flicked the ball home from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Madrid were unable to increase their lead before the interval, and in fact it was Malaga who came closest to adding the game's second goal when Duda struck the crossbar with his free kick.