Málaga Vs. Real Madrid Match Recap: Benzema, Caballero Give Madrid the Win

It was not the best game Real Madrid has played this season. In fact, it was one of the worst. But what ultimately counts is the outcome of the game. Real Madrid got the win and earned their presence in the next round of la Copa del Rey.

Mourinho started a 4-3-3 formation with Khedira, Lass and Xabi Alonso in the midfield, even though some fans think the team should be playing a 4-3-3 more often.

Kaká was yet again subbed at halftime as he is still out of his rhythm and might even be thinking about playing elsewhere. It was the perfect formation for him, but he could not find his place in the offensive part of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuaín played badly as well, but they were not as invisible as the Brazilian.

Khedira had to leave the game because of an ankle injury early in the first half. The German plyer is key in our midfield, and if he is not able to play the games against Barcelona, then he will surely be missed by both the players and the coach. The coach chose Özil to replace Khedira.

The second half started with Marcelo entering the field for Kaká. Coentrao moved to the right wing and left the left fullback position avalaible to the number 12. The team still did not succeed in creating goal opportunities, so Mourinho introduced Benzema for Higuaín, who was not in his top form tonight.

The French player influenced the game early, as he received the ball from Özil and shot it. It looked as if it was a clear ball for Malaga's goalkeeper Willy Caballero, but he missed badly and let the ball pass through his legs. This goal killed Málaga's chances, as they now needed two goals in order to advance to the next round. They really didn't do much during the game, so both Madrid an Málaga knew the Copa del Rey leg was over.

Benzema is in the best stage of his Real Madrid career. Even when it looks as if he is not going to score, something happens to let the French striker add another goal to his statistics.

Real Madrid is now waiting for the news concerning Khedira's injury. He will be tested after the team's arrives in Madrid.

The team's next game is against Mallorca, who came back from a 0-1 loss in around seven minutes against Real Sociedad today. Madrid will try to find a balance in this game between giving some minutes to the bench so the starters can be ready for the game against Barcelona, and earning three points for la Liga against Mallorca.

As always, don't forget to check us out on facebook, follow us on twitter, and listen to our podcast on iTunes!