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Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time penalty sealed a 2-0 home win for Real Madrid against Malaga and maintained the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The Portugal forward converted after substitute Gareth Bale, making his return from a thigh injury, was brought down by Malaga defender Weligton.

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria had put Real ahead just seconds into the second-half at the Bernabeu.

His cross was intended for Ronaldo but flew over away keeper Willy Caballero.

Bale, a £85.3m summer recruit from Tottenham, returned to action after missing Wales's final World Cup qualifier in Belgium on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old was introduced in the 76th-minute for only his fourth Real appearance since the record-breaking move in September.

Third-placed Real are two points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid ahead of their matches against Osasuna and Espanyol later on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's team, who suffered their only defeat against city rivals Atletico, travel to Barcelona next Saturday for the first El Clasico of the new season.