Malaga took on Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey trailing 3-2, the home team knew that a 1-0 win would see them through.

A host of changes were made to the starting line-up by Jose Mourinho, Marcelo dropped to the bench, Fabio Coentrao was chosen over the Brazilian. Alvaro Arbeloa also got a start and was presented with a perfect opportunity to prove his worth.

Kaka, who has been consistently inconsistent this season was also given a start by Mourinho.

Benzema dropped to the bench, Gonzalo Higuain started instead of the French international.

Sami Khedira and Lass Diarra both started the game.

Real Madrid started very positively, they dominated possession in the early minutes of the game.

Malaga soaked in the early pressure and started spraying around a few passes of their own.

The only clear-cut opportunity of the opening-half fell to Sergio Ramos but he failed to make it count. Xabi Alonso delivered an inviting cross from a free-kick, Ramos evaded his marker and headed the ball which went agonizingly wide.

Sami Khedira was stretchered  off just before half-time, he had injured his ankle. Mesut Ozil came on to replace the German.

The two teams went into the half-time break deadlocked.

Kaka was withdrawn, Marcelo came on in the second-half for Real Madrid. Kaka was not even seen on the bench after he had been substituted.

Ronaldo missed a sitter for his high standards in the 63rd minute, Lass Diarra put in a delightful ball, there was no one marking Ronaldo but his feeble attempt was well saved by the keeper.

Higuain was withdrawn in the 69th minute, Benzema came on for the player.

Mesut Ozil had a very good second-half, he picked the right passes which he is known for doing.

Madrid took a 1-0 lead in the 72nd minute, Ozil picked up the ball in his own half and released Benzema whose attempt should have been saved by the Malaga keeper but he inexplicably failed to deal with a feeble shot and let the ball in his net, this also meant that Malaga had to score twice to progress to the next round.

Ramos almost made it 2-0 in favor of the away team but the keeper pulled off a magnificent save.

Arbeloa was sent off in the 88th minute for a second bookable offense, it was an unnecessary challenge.

Madrid won the game 1-0, there was no way back for Malaga. It was not a very convincing win but a win is a win. Real Madrid progress to the next round winning 4-2 on aggregate.

Barcelona will play against Osasuna tomorrow, Barcelona have a lead of 4-0. It will be Real Madrid vs Barcelona in the next round of the Copa del Rey should Barcelona see off Osasuna which they most probably will.