Cristiano Ronaldo missed penalty costs dear for Real Madrid

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Malaga, giving a 9-point cushion Barcelona at the top of La Liga table.

New Delhi: Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo blew hot and cold on Sunday's La Liga 1-1 draw against Malaga at Estadio La Rosaleda.

The former Manchester United scored in the 33rd minute to give Real the deserved lead, but he somehow managed to miss a penalty three minutes later.

Malaga's Spaniard defender Raul Albentosa then punished Ronaldo for his miss, scoring the all-important equaliser in the 66th minute.

The 1-1 draw meant that Real, with 54 points, have dropped nine points behind their eternal rivals and league leaders Barcelona after the end of round 25.

Besides, city rivals Atletico also get a chance to climb above their more illustrious rivals. Diego Simeone's side are currently in third spot, also with 54 points but a game in hand.

Zinedine Zidane didn't injured Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, but they were expected to beat the mid-table team comfortably.

However, the home side played deservedly earned a point thanks to their hard-work.

Having already scored 22 league goals this season, Ronaldo is in second place in the top-scorers list behind Barca's Luis Suarez, who has 25 strikes.