Madrid : Real Madrid's faltering start to 2010 has put the spotlight on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema ahead of the visit of lowly Malaga in La Liga tomorrow.
Real fired in 16 goals in the four matches leading into the winter break, but they have run into a barren patch since their return to action.
A 0-0 draw away to Osasuna, a 2-0 home win over Real Mallorca and last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao have seen second-placed Real slip five points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona.
"We create a lot of chances but we just lack a little luck," Real defender Sergio Ramos told sports daily Marca.
"This should prompt us to be more assured in front of goal and to work hard to improve." Top scorer Gonzalo Higuain is injured, Ronaldo has not scored since last month, while the contributions of Kaka and Benzema have been under the microscope in the media.
Boosting confidence
However, a money-spinning midweek friendly in Albania on Wednesday may have helped boost Kaka and Benzema's confidence after both scored in the 2-1 win over Gramozi Erseke.
Real will be defending their perfect home record against a Malaga side lying one point above the relegation places. But their visitors, who have yet to win away, have not lost a game in the league since November 1.
This weekend's matches usher in the mid-point of the season with Barca already assured of the honorary title of winter champions.
The Catalans are able to prepare for the trip to face Real Valladolid today in a more relaxed atmosphere after coach Pep Guardiola said he would like to extend his contract beyond the end of the season.
