MADRID, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid set a club record of 16 consecutive wins in all competitions on Saturday night thanks to a 2-1 win away to Malaga.
Goals from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, the first after a clear foul on Malaga defender Weligton, and the second a right foot shot in the closing minutes of the second half gave Carlo Ancelotti's side a hard-fought win against a Malaga side that had won 5 of its last 6 games.
Roque Santa Cruz netted an injury time header to give Malaga a glimmer of hope after Real Madrid had been reduced to 10 men after Isco was shown a harsh second yellow card after he had appeared to touch the ball in a challenge from behind.
The Malaga fans gave their former hero a standing ovation as he left the field, while Real Madrid will now be able to sit back and see if Barcelona drop points away to Valencia on Sunday night.
The day started with Athletic Club Bilbao maintaining their unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory away to Getafe. In a match where each side controlled a half each.
Athletic were the best side in the first 45 minutes and took the lead thanks to a Mikel San Jose header and although Getafe were on top in the second period, Benat Extebarria doubled Athletic's lead in the last minute, although there was still time for Angel Lafita to net a late consolation for Getafe.
Espanyol came back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 win in a rainswept match at home to Levante. Jose Luis morales scored a header to put the visitors ahead after just 13 minutes, but goals from Felipe Caicedo and Sergio Garcia before halftime gave the points to Espanyol.
The round of matches kicked off with David Moyes enjoying a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Elche on his home debut for Real Sociedad. Carlos Vela scored an excellent hat-trick to help lift the San Sebastian away from the danger zone.