Malaga as the Liga title challengers slumped to
a 1-0 home defeat and saw their 11- match
winning run come to a halt.
Malaga claimed a 0-0 draw after successfully
nullifying Lionel Messi and Neymar when the two
sides met at La Rosaleda in September, and they
were just as effective again, producing a
determined display to claim their first Camp Nou
victory since 1999.
Luis Suarez, who missed their last meeting, was
unable to inspire a change in Barca's fortunes
this time around, as their usually lethal frontline
struggled after Juanmi capitalised on an early
Dani Alves error to break the deadlock.
The hosts unsurprisingly dictated the tempo of
the match, though Malaga's hard-working
defence held firm in admirable fashion, while
Javi Gracia's side posed a significant threat on
the break.
Rafinha and Andres Iniesta saw Barca's best
chances go begging in the first half, while
opportunities were even rarer after the break, as
Malaga proved impenetrable.
Malaga ultimately scraped over the finish line to
claim a famous and surprising win despite
Barca's intense late pressure, sealing a result
that will raise smiles at title rivals Real Madrid.
Despite resting few key players in the lead up to
Tuesday's UEFA Champions League trip to
Manchester City, Barca trailed after just seven
minutes, proving to be their own worst enemy.
Dani Alves sold Claudio Bravo short with a poor
back-pass and Juanmi pounced, skipping beyond
the goalkeeper before prodding home, doing
little to help the Brazilian's bid for a new
contract.
Barca almost hit back just two minutes later, but
Weligton, who infamously clashed with Messi in
this season's reverse fixture, crucially blocked
Rafinha's powerful goal-bound effort.
Though the hosts continued to dominate,
Malaga's dogged defending ensured that clear-
cut opportunities were something of a rarity.
And the visitors proved particularly dangerous
on the counter-attack, nearly adding to their
lead twice in quick succession just after the half-
hour mark.
Barca should have restored parity five minutes
before the interval, though Iniesta could only
send his tame header straight at Carlos Kameni.
The hosts' monopolisation of the ball continued
into the second half without much to show for
their efforts, as the impressive Weligton and
Roberto Rosales remained solid at the back.
Neymar and Messi attempted to force the issue,
driving forward with intent and forcing the
Malaga defence back, but generally the hosts'
final ball fell flat, as opportunities eluded Luis
Enrique's men.
Substitute Pedro sent their best chance into the
side netting, leaving Luis Enrique with much to
ponder ahead of their trip to face the Premier
League champions.
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