Ronaldo on course for 60-goal haul

Many players have contributed to Real Madrid's outstanding run both in terms of results and performances, but one has outshone the rest for his goalscoring exploits: Cristiano Ronaldo, of course. Who else?

Although 'Los Blancos' are consistently providing spectacular team displays, the Portuguese star is invariably the difference maker as seen once again against Basel where his strike earned victory for Carlo Ancelotti's troops in one of their weaker performances.

Cristiano has amassed 20 league goals after just 12 rounds of La Liga fixtures, one of which he missed. The 29-year-old is determined to continue finding the back of the net as he looks to beat the record of all records: ending the league season with more than 60 goals.

Ronaldo is averaging 1.8 goals per game so far this campaign having scored in every match that he has featured in, which is unprecedented in La Liga. His next potential victim is Málaga, a team that he has scored against 13 times in 10 games including six at La Rosaleda.

The Real Madrid number seven will be joined in attack by Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Iker Casillas will be back in goal while Dani Carvajal and Marcelo will return to the side at full-back. The midfield trio will be Toni Kroos, Isco and James.

Javi Gracia's side will look to achieve what no other side has managed and shut out Ronaldo. They have grounds for optimism having kept a clean sheet against Luis Enrique's Barcelona back in September, although a depleted squad will test the depth of the Málaga ranks. Three key players are unavailable with Noureddine Amrabat and Juanmi nursing injuries while Ignacio Camacho is suspended.