Ronaldo inspires Real to record 16th consecutive win in all competitions post Malaga win

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Real Madrid to a club-record 16th consecutive win in all competitions as they beat Malaga 2-1 in their La Liga clash on Saturday.

Ronaldo crossed for Karim Benzema to put Carlo Ancelotti's team ahead with a prodded finish at the near post. He then flicked a header on for Gareth Bale to seal the victory with a firm finish on the break.

Real's Isco was sent off for a second booking before Roque Santa Cruz headed in a late consolation goal. The victory sees Ancelotti better the 15-match sequences achieved by Jose Mourinho in 2011 and Miguel Munoz in 1961, The BBC reported.

Ronaldo as played an integral role in Real's recent run and he took his tally of assists to eight for the season to help end Malaga's unbeaten home record.

Only a fine performance by goalkeeper Carlos Kameni prevented Ronaldo from having more assists and goal to show for his efforts.

Bale's low ball across the face of goal found Ronaldo but Kameni reacted to beat away the firm first-time shot but Malaga did not stay level for long.

Ronaldo made progress down the left with a succession of stepovers and his left-foot cross was met by Benzema at the near post for his eighth league goal of the season.

Malaga felt Benzema had gained an advantage by pulling Weligton out of position immediately before the goal. Malaga twice went close with long-range shots just before half-time.

Sergi Darder's volley slipped through Iker Casillas's grasp and went narrowly wide before Duda's free-kick clipped the crossbar with goalkeeper well beaten.

Real were beginning to look nervy in the closing stages but Bale settled the nerves by adding a second goal at the end of a searing counter-attack.

Malaga would have lost 2-0 but their skipper Santa Cruz scored at the last minute to provide a little relief and ended the score at 2-1, although he couldn't prevent his side from losing, the report added.