Real Madrid vs. Malaga: Score, Grades, Reaction from La Liga Game

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 50th goal of the season for the fifth successive year to complete a 3-1 win over Malaga at the Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday.

The Portugal international was on hand to turn home a Javier Hernandez cross into the area in injury time after Malaga had hauled themselves back into the game.

Sergio Ramos opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Ronaldo missed a penalty midway through the second period.

James Rodriguez spared Ronaldo's blushes with a superb drive in the 69th minute to give Real a two-goal advantage, but Malaga hit back almost immediately through Juanmi to ensure a nervy close to the game.

However, Ronaldo was not going to be denied, and his goal helped seal the victory to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to two points again after their win over Valencia earlier in the day.

But Real's win was marred by injuries to Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, leaving Carlo Ancelotti waiting on news of their fitness for the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The home side were dealt an early blow as Bale pulled up and immediately indicated he was unable to continue. Javier Hernandez replaced the Wales international.

Hernandez went close to opening the scoring for Los Blancos in the 17th minute, but Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni was quick to block his header.

Real did, however, make the breakthrough seven minutes later. Rosales gave away a free-kick for handball, and Cristiano Ronaldo's set piece was turned home by Ramos.

Kameni did well to beat away a James Rodriguez effort before another Ramos 'goal' was ruled out for offside.

But it was a disappointing first half in terms of action as both teams left the field.

If Real thought this game was won, they were given an early warning in the second period when Nordin Amrabat flashed an effort just wide of Iker Casillas' goal.

Before the hour mark, there was another injury for Ancelotti to worry about as Modric went to ground holding his knee. After receiving treatment, Ancelotti removed the Croatia international from the game, and he was replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

Real Madrid were gifted a chance to effectively seal the points in the 66th when James was felled inside the area by Samu Castillejo. Ronaldo stepped up to the spot but fired against the inside of Kameni's post, and the ball was cleared.

Two minutes later, James spared Ronaldo's embarrassment when he drove home from the edge of the penalty area after exchanging a series of one-twos with team-mates in the build-up.

Malaga refused to lie down, though, and in the 71st minute an unmarked Juanmi comfortably headed a Rosales cross past Casillas from close range.

The game was far from over at this stage, and Ramos needed to be alert as a Juanmi ball sought out a Malaga head inside the area with 10 minutes remaining.

In the first minute of injury time, Hernandez showed great perseverance to get to the byline and pull the ball back for Ronaldo to tap home his 50th goal of the season.

It was a harsh reward for Malaga who had worked throughout the match. 

Selected Player Ratings

Sergio Ramos: A+

The Real Madrid defender produced a fine display alongside Pepe, thwarting Malaga. Ramos fully deserved his opening goal.

Javier Hernandez: A-

The on-loan Manchester United player will not have expected such an early introduction to the game, but he did well and almost scored in the first half.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A

The Portugal international delivered a tremendous free-kick for Ramos' opener in another solid display for Real Madrid. The loss of Bale increased the pressure on him but, as expected, he rose to the challenge. A missed penalty was followed by his 50th goal of the season.

Post-Match Reaction

"

Ancelotti: “Benzema has 4 days to recover and I think he will be able to play on Wednesday."

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) April 18, 2015"

"

Butragueño says they're worried about Modric & Bale. "We'll see how they are tomorrow."

— Rhiannon Jones (@rhiannoncwjones) April 18, 2015"