Malaga 1-1 Real Madrid: Five Talking Points

Real Madrid were dealt with a mortal blow to their league ambitions after a disappointing 1-1 draw at Malaga that now leaves them 9 points behind Barcelona in the race.Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors ahead with a fine header but missed a penalty shortly after that eventually proved costly as the Albicelestes drew level midway in the second half through Albentosa.The visitors threw caution to the wind in search of the winner, but to no avail as they were held by a gritty Malaga side. Let's get to the bottom of 5 highlights of the game.

#1 Real\'s \'away\' malaise comes to the fore

Real Madrid have collected only 5 points out of a possible 21

For the 7th time in 12 games this season, Real Madrid have failed to win a game away from home in the league. It all began on the opening fixture of the season at El Molinon when Los Blancos were held to a goal-less draw by a spirited newbies, Sporting Gijon. Whilst it was written off as an ‘off-day’ for them, their performance on the travels thus far suggests otherwise.

A ferocious lion at home, Real Madrid have been nothing more than a sissy rat away from there. In a very bewildering theme of events, the Whites, somehow, haven’t been able to carry that blistering home form into the away games. This has cost them dear as they’ve collected only 5 points out of a possible 21 on the road.

Zinedine Zidane may have brought mirth back into the team, but it seems he has a bigger fish to fry.

#2 Malaga step up to the plate

Malaga have been exceptional against the bigger sides this season

This season, Malaga have shown a knack of upping their game against the bigger and mightier sides of the division. Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid themselves, have all been unable to take maximum points off the Boqueneros and now add another scalp to their long list.

The hosts started the game on the front foot, creating the better chances going forward and mustering a handful of shots at goal inside the first few minutes itself. Real Madrid were lucky to not fall behind early on, but their slack defending came back to bite them when an unmarked Albentosa equalised for Malaga.

Consistency have been the Andalusian's biggest issue, which otherwise, would’ve seen them in the top 6 places in the league.

#3 Ronaldo needs to show more character

Ronaldo cut a glum figure for large spells of the game

With Gareth Bale still in the recovery room and Karim Benzema sidelined for the trip with a back problem, the spotlight fell solely on Cristiano Ronaldo upfront. The Portuguese poacher was supposed to be the guiding light for his team, but up to some extent, he failed.

Ronaldo cut a glum figure for large spells of the game and also buried the chances presented to him. He may have put his side ahead with a fine header that almost gave Real Madrid a vital win, but the penalty miss that followed just 2 minutes later is sure to give him nightmares for days to come as it eventually proved too costly.

In games like these when the chips are down, the team looks up to their talisman for inspiration and a match-winner. But today, certainly, Ronaldo let them down on that count.

#4 Navas continues to shine

Thanks to Navas, Real Madrid escaped with at least a point

In a season where there have been precious few peaks and more troughs than in an industrial-scale pig farm, Keylor Navas has been one of the bright spots. The Real Madrid custodian has been consistently good in his showings and came to his side's rescue again in the game.

The Costa Rican was tested umpteen times in the game, but remained unperturbed, not for all the tea in China. Navas guarded the visitor’s net with superb plan and thanks to his dexterity, Real Madrid escaped with at least a point.

The departure of club icon Iker Casillas was met dole and despair by the fans and media alike, but Keylor Navas continues to make light of the legendary Spaniard’s absence.

#5 All over for Real Madrid ?

Real Madrid now trail leaders Barcelona by a massive 9 points

With the draw, Real Madrid now trail leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona by a massive 9 points with only 13 matches still to go. Recurring injuries, off-field issues, poor form of several pivotal players and dismal results away from home have all contributed to the problems, and now, the chickens have come home to roost.

On only 2 occasions has a team relinquished such a colossal lead and ended up losing the title. Ironically, Real Madrid have been that side on both cases – in 1992/93 and 2003/04. But considering Barcelona’s strong run and Madrid's own issues, a repeat of history appears unlikely.

With games against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia and Real Sociedad still to come, things are only set to go from bad to worse for Real Madrid.