Real fixes up and looks sharp

Real Madrid's performance against Málaga was the first sign that it is developing into the effective, yet classy side its fans expect. It was a deceptively narrow and utterly routine victory with little by way of fireworks.

Ancelotti's men went back to basics, keeping it simple and coming up with the goods all over the pitch. 'Los Blancos' were totally up for it and meticulous, simply outclassing Málaga, with only a masterclass from Caballero keeping the score down.

The introduction of Morata was greeted with vociferous cheers on the Bernabéu terraces

Having admitted matter-of-factly that his side couldn't "get any worse" ahead of the meetings with Málaga, Juventus and Barcelona,Ancelotti made a series of personnel changes and was vindicated with Real's most assured display of the season.

The reshuffle in the line-up was headed by the introduction of Morata, a move that was greeted with vociferous cheers on the Bernabéu terraces. There can be no doubting the supporters' eagerness for the youngster to succeed.

Another improvement was seen in the roles played by Illarramendi and Khedira. While a bizarre role reversal had seen the pair struggle in previous matches, with each asked to do what the other is better at, a return to their more natural game against Málaga did both the world of good.

While Khedira kept the ball moving impressively and surged into space on the break, Illarra hardly put a foot wrong in his playmaking duties. The young Spaniard looked accomplished throughout, never overcomplicating things and barely misplacing a pass.