Madrid: Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Isco; Jesé (Kovacic 60‘), Benzema, Ronaldo. 4-3-3.
Málaga: Kameni; Rosales, Angeleri, Weligton, Miguel Torres; Tissone, Recio; Pablo Fornals (Ricardo Horta 80‘), Tighadouini (Juanpi 70‘), Juan Carlos; Amrabat. 4-2-3-1.
Goals: None.
Yellow cards: Miguel Torres 27’, Varane 48’, Nacho 52’, Recio 66’, Juanpi 87’, Carvajal 89’, Ronaldo 94’ / red cards: Amrabat 77’.
Previous leaders Real Madrid drop to third after they were held to a 0-0 draw by a Málaga side who have yet to score a single goal this season. It was a frustrating night for Rafa Benítez’s team who had over thirty shots on target, Kameni in particular pulling off a string of saves to ensure a third goal-less draw for the Andalusians. The visiting keeper saved twice from Jesé early on, then made several stops from Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as from Benzema after the break. When he was finally beaten Welligton cleared an effort from Isco off the line, and with the game coming to a close Isco got the ball in the net only for Modric to be incorrectly given offside in the build-up. Keylor Navas did have to be on his toes to save a Recio free kick, but after Amrabat was sent off for catching Marcelo with a flying elbow, the visitors decided to settle for an unexpected point which keeps them above Granada and Levante in the table.