Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (4th L) is congratulated by his team mates after scoring a goal against Malaga during their Spanish First Division soccer match at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga, southern Spain November 29, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)
Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale scored to give Real Madrid a 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday, as the Spanish league leaders set a club record with a 16th consecutive victory across all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score for the first time in 12 league matches this season, but the forward set up both Benzema's 18th-minute opener and Bale's goal in the 83rd.
Roque Santa Cruz headed in Malaga's goal in stoppage time after Madrid's Francisco "Isco" Alarcon was sent off with his second booking in the 86th.
Madrid was denied a wider winning margin by Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni, who saved close-range shots by Ronaldo, Bale and Isco.
Madrid opened up a five-point lead over Barcelona before it visits fourth-place Valencia on Sunday.
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