Barcelona welcomed Malaga to the Camp Nou on Saturday looking to make it 100 league points for the season.
They had the lead inside three minutes when David Villa tapped home from close range, before Cesc Fabregas and Martin Montoya made it 3-0 inside 17 minutes.
Andres Iniesta got in on the act early in the second period, but Pedro Morales made it 4-1 moments later with a thumping volley from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Barcelona and Malaga bring their campaigns to a close this evening with the two sides meeting at the Camp Nou. It has been an impressive league season for the home side, reclaiming the crown from Real Madrid. However, Malaga have stuttered in recent weeks. That said, all things considered, it has been a solid campaign.
As it stands Malaga will not compete in Europe next season regardless of their final position in the table due to financial issues, but they currently sit in one of the Europa League positions. Barcelona, meanwhile, have strolled to the league title in recent weeks, while they will make it 100 points for the season with three points this evening.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Malaga. Barcelona have won four of the last five matches in all competitions, scoring four goals against Malaga on three occasions during that run of results. Can Malaga upset the odds as Manuel Pellegrini – who is Manchester City bound - looks to bow out in style.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Pinto; Montoya, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Fabregas, Busquets, Xavi; Iniesta, Villa, Pedro
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, Weligton, Lugano, Eliseu; Camacho, Toulalan; Isco, Baptista, Joaquin; Santa Cruz
Here we go then. Pinto is handed the gloves for Barcelona, with Victor Valdes on the bench. There is no Lionel Messi in the squad, but David Villa and Javier Mascherano both return to the team. Malaga, meanwhile, leave Javier Saviola on the bench, with Roque Santa Cruz handed the lone role in attack. Right, the away side get the action underway on this warm evening in Catalonia.
It is very much an evening of goodbyes in Spain with a number of personnel in the Camp Nou expected to depart in the summer. Victor Valdes is set to join Monaco, while Eric Abidal will also leave the club. There remains speculation surrounding the future of David Villa, while health issues could force head coach Tito Vilanova into retirement.
This evening also sees Manuel Pellegrini take charge of Malaga for the last time with the Chilean almost certain to move to Manchester City in the summer. Bright start from Malaga with Isco and Camacho seeing plenty of the ball, but neither side has been able to fashion a chance in the opening three minutes of football. Let's hope for goals this evening.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Malaga (Villa)
Barcelona have the lead inside three minutes as Pedro drives into the box before finding Villa, who cannot miss from five yards out. That could be a send-off goal from the Spanish striker. Barcelona are well on their way to 100 points inside the early stages at the Camp Nou.
Seems to be a slight problem for Joaquin as the Malaga midfielder hits the deck under contact from Sergio Busquets, but following a period of treatment the Spaniard is deemed fit to continue. The home side attack once more as Montoya drives down the right before finding Iniesta, but Diego Lugano is across to clear at the vital moment.
Perfect setting for a game of football this evening with the pitch in fabulous condition and the sun beaming down in Barcelona. No sign of an end-of-season feel, meanwhile, with both sides prepared to commit players to each attack. It could get nasty for Malaga, however, if Barcelona find another in the next few minutes.
Again it's good work from Pedro as the Spaniard combines with Montoya before driving a low cross into the box, but Gamez just manages to clear at the vital moment. A quick word on Valdes - the fact that he does not start this afternoon is the clearest indication yet that he will depart in the summer, most likely to Monaco. It remains 1-0 to Barcelona with little under 10 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. Baptista attempts to force the issue for Malaga as he finds Santa Cruz in the box, but the powerful striker cannot return the favour. Barcelona probe down the other end, but Gamez is across to clear.
It is almost like a training match for the home side at the moment as they continue to pass and move in the middle of midfield. Malaga simply cannot get anywhere near possession with 14 minutes on the clock. Not too much in terms of a goal threat, however, with Weligton and Lugano squeezing possession on each occasion.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Malaga (Fabregas)
Barcelona have their second of the match inside 14 minutes as Fabregas drives to the edge of the box before thumping a powerful effort into the top of the net. Where is the Malaga defence that boasted such an impressive record in the early part of the season?
I said that this could get nasty for Malaga if they conceded another goal within the opening 15 minutes and that has been the case. Barcelona may be without Messi, but they have goals all over the pitch. Iniesta has a half-chance moments later, but Gamez just manages to make a last-ditch challenge. It is all one-way traffic.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Malaga (Montoya)
Wow, just wow. Barcelona have their third of the match as Montoya collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort into the bottom corner. It is horrifying for Malaga, who are on the verge of a real hiding here. Just 17 minutes on the clock, but Barcelona have scored three times without reply.
Victory this evening would be Barcelona's fifth straight win since losing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not the best send-off for Malaga boss Pellegrini as things stand. Just a reminder that three points for the home side would move them onto 100 league points for the season.
Slight problem for Isco as the Spanish midfielder clashes with Alba, but the pair immediately make amends. It could be the last time that the former appears in a Malaga shirt with a number of European clubs keen on signing him this summer. Another half-chance for the home side as Montoya drives into the Malaga box, but Weligton manages to clear at the vital moment.
It's good work from Baptista this time as the powerful Brazilian drives past Pique before striking an effort from outside the box, but it moves behind for a corner. The header comes from Santa Cruz, but he can only flick his effort wide of the post. Better from the away side, but they have to start taking their chances.
Almost a deadly silence inside the stadium at the moment as Barcelona continue to dominate possession in midfield. Caballero makes a mess of a cross from Iniesta, almost allowing Pedro the chance to tap into an empty net, but the danger is cleared for a corner. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Another half-chance for the home side as Xavi delivers a dangerous cross into the Malaga box, but Caballero just manages to claim under pressure from Malaga. Isco attempts to force the issue down the other end with a raking pass towards Santa Cruz, but Pique is across to quell the danger. The opening 28 minutes of this match has flown past.
Barcelona want a penalty as Fabregas is struck in the box by Eliseu, but the referee is not interested in awarding a spot kick. I have certainly seen them given, which is the point that the Barcelona midfielder is making. Not too much to report in terms of chances as we approach the latter stages of the half. Malaga have simply been blown apart thus far.
CHANCE! Best opportunity for the away side by some distance as Baptista collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Pique just manages to deflect it for a corner, with the resulting set piece palmed clear by Pinto. Good pressure from Malaga with 33 minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder that following this match we have a live update from the conclusion of the La Liga season, with the final Champions League berth and the relegation battle yet to be decided. Little over 10 minutes remaining in the first period here, meanwhile, with Barcelona leading 3-0 courtesy of three strikes in the opening 17 minutes. In truth, there has not been too much since.
Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball in the latter stages of the half, but there is no question that the tempo has dropped since they scored their third of the evening. In fairness to Malaga they have attempted to commit players forward, but the quality on the final pass has been lacking thus far.
Half-chance for the home side as Fabregas collects a pass from Pedro before driving into the box, but the Spaniard just could not produce a low cross to Villa, who was unmarked in the box. Isco attempts to break down the other end moments later, but the returning Mascherano is across to clear at the vital moment.
You can forgive Barcelona for dropping the tempo after three goals in the early stages, but their passing has just been sloppy in the last few moments. A half-chance arrives as Pique meets a corner from Pedro, but his header is wide of the post. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
Mascherano continues to impress on his return to the team as the Argentine mops up following good work from Isco. Santa Cruz attempts to force the issue moments later with a low pass towards Baptista, but the Brazilian cannot collect under pressure from Montoya. Not too much of an atmosphere in the stadium with 44 minutes on the clock.
Decent possession for Malaga in the last few moments, but it is in areas that will not worry Barcelona. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Malaga
So there we have it. Barcelona make light work of Malaga in the first period with goals from Villa, Fabregas and Montoya moving them into a three-goal lead after 17 minutes. It has been a low-key affair since then, however, with both sides struggling for that elusive pass in the final third.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had four attempts to Malaga's one, which was wide of the target. It has not been a stop-start affair with hardly a single tackle of note, but the passing from both sides has been astray for periods of the match.
BENCH WATCH: Victor Valdes and Eric Abidal are both expected to appear for Barcelona in the second period as they make their last appearances for the club, while Alex Song, Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello, Jonathan dos Santos and Thiago are also in reserve. Malaga, meanwhile, have the likes of Saviola, Sergio Sanchez and Antunes on their bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. One change for Malaga at the interval with Morales replacing Santa Cruz. Just a reminder that following this match we have a live update from the remaining eight matches of the La Liga season. Be sure to remain with us for that.
It appears that Baptista has been moved into the lone striker position with Isco operating behind the Brazilian. Malaga may have a chance of getting back into this if they score the next goal, but another strike for Barcelona and they could be in for a hiding. Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period.
Half-chance for the home side as Pedro collects a wonderful pass from Xavi before finding Villa on the edge of the box, the Spaniard in turn attempts to find Fabregas, but Sanchez is back to clear at the vital moment. Suddenly Barcelona have just moved into another gear with their passing quicker and sharper in the Malaga half.
Pedro is again involved as he is bundled over in the penalty area, but the offside flag had been raised, much to the surprise of the Spanish winger. Malaga have the look of a side that will attempt to keep the score down, rather than one looking to get back into the match. Still 3-0 to Barcelona with 52 minutes on the clock.
The offside flag continues to frustrate Barcelona with Alba and Pedro both being caught by the linesman in quick succession. Barcelona have certainly raised the tempo in the last five minutes or so with Xavi and Iniesta seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the pitch.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Malaga (Iniesta)
Malaga come close to scoring as Baptista strikes an effort from close range, but Pinto makes the save. Moments later Barcelona have their fourth of the night as Iniesta curls an effort into the top corner. Stunning finish from the Spanish midfielder.
Another half-chance for the away side as Isco finds Morales in the box, but once more Pinto is out to make a fine save. I wonder whether Barcelona will look for a new number one next season? Or will Pinto be handed the gloves after years of service. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
POST! Another opportunity for Malaga as Isco collects possession in the box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it thumps off the post. Meanwhile, Barcelona have their first change of the match as Thiago replaces Iniesta.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-1 Malaga (Morales)
Oh my word what a strike. Stunning finish from Morales as the midfielder meets a cross from Gamez before thumping his effort into the back of the net. That is wonderful from the substitute. Five goals at the Camp Nou, but four have come for the home side.
Joaquin threatens to worry Barcelona once more as the Spaniard drives into the home side's box, but Mascherano is across to clear at the vital moment. The Catalan outfit immediately launch a counter down the other end with Pedro, but Caballero is quick off his line to clear at the vital moment. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment with each committing players in the final third, which was not the case in the early part of the half. It had been feared that this match would have the look of a pre-season affair, but that has not been the case. It has been an evening full of excitement. Can Malaga force a late comeback here?
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Fabregas finds Pedro with a fine pass, but the Spaniard can only clip his effort over the crossbar from close range. He just had to score. Where on earth is this Malaga defence that impressed earlier in the season? They could have conceded six or seven here.
The Barcelona supporters are calling for Abidal at the moment as the Frenchman warms up. Number five almost arrives moments later as Villa collects a pass from Pedro before rounding Caballero, but the Spaniard just moved too wide, before Morales fires wide of the target down the other end moments later.
Another half-chance for the home side as Montoya bursts into the box before squaring for Villa, but Weligton just managed to clear the danger at the vital moment. Still no sign of Abidal nor Valdes, but I suspect we will see both at some point this evening. Just the one change for Malaga, meanwhile, with the goal scorer Morales entering at the interval.
It is a case of you attack, we attack at the moment with both teams committing players in the final third. Pedro attempts to force the issue for the home side, only to be denied by Eliseu, who is felled down the other end by Busquets. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona. The home side are well on their way to 100 points for the season.
Nervy moment for Lugano as the Malaga defender swipes at a cross from Pedro, but it just drops over his own crossbar. The resulting corner is delivered towards Pedro, but he can only curl his effort wide of the post. Barcelona could have had double figures this evening. Change for Malaga, meanwhile, as Joaquin is replaced by Sebastian Fernandez.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the opposing half. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure, meanwhile, as both sides enter their final 15 minutes of the league season. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the scoring.
Malaga attempt to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Pinto before Camacho heads over the crossbar moments later when he might have done better. Barcelona break down the other end with Pedro, but once more it comes to nothing. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Here we go then. It is Abidal's moment as the French defender enters the pitch in place of Pique. He receives a standing ovation from the entire stadium. The left-back is certainly moved by the welcome. Still no sign of Valdes, but I suspect he will enter the field in the latter stages.
Every touch from Abidal is met by applause by both sets of supporters, which is fabulous to see. Not too much to report in terms of attacking intent in the last few moments, however, with Barcelona prepared to keep possession in the Malaga half. The final Barcelona change is made, but it is not Valdes, with Sanchez entering in place of Villa.
Wonderful attempt from Baptista as the Malaga forward strikes an effort from outside the box, but Pinto is across to make a fine save. Meanwhile, Malaga make their third change of the match as Isco is replaced by Saviola. The resulting corner brings a chance for Camacho, but his effort is high and wide of he crossbar.
Just a bit of team news from Atletico Madrid's clash with Real Zaragoza. There is no place for Radamel Falcao, who has agreed to join French outfit Monaco. Sociedad, meanwhile, have Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann both available for their key clash with Deportivo. Little under five minutes remaining in the Camp Nou as Sanchez fires high and wide of the target.
Not too much to report in the final couple of moments with Malaga passing and probing outside the Barcelona box, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass. The away supporters have certainly found their voice in the latter stages, however, as they show their support to Manuel Pellegrini, who looks certain to take charge of Manchester City next season.
Good possession for Barcelona in the last few moments with Xavi and Thiago dominating the midfield battle. Sanchez comes close to finding Pedro in the box moments later, but Gamez is across to clear. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the match.
Couple of opportunities for Pedro to add to the scoring with the Spaniard twice testing Caballero from close range, but it does appear that Barcelona will have to settle for just the four goals in their final La Liga match of the season.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 4-1 Malaga
So there we have it. Barcelona hit Malaga for four to move onto 100 points for the season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for our live updates from the final evening of La Liga. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
