Malaga 3 : 2 Real Madrid - Real on the ropes

Real Madrid's fading title hopes were handed what could have been a knock-out blow after the stuttering champions slumped to a 3-2 defeat at Malaga to fall 16 points behind Primera Division leaders Barcelona.

Substitute Roque Santa Cruz struck twice in three second-half minutes to help fourth-placed Malaga heap the pressure on Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who caused a surprise by omitting captain Iker Casillas from his starting line-up.

Madrid dominated the first half but were unable to turn their possession into goals and were made to pay as Isco put Malaga ahead in the 48th minute.

Karim Benzema drew Madrid level midway through the second half but Santa Cruz, who had been on the pitch less than 10 minutes, stunned the visitors by putting Malaga 3-1 ahead with a double strike in the 73rd and 76th minutes.

Benzema pulled another goal back with eight minutes remaining Madrid could not find an equaliser as they slumped to a fourth league defeat of the season - twice as many as they suffered in winning the title last season.