Malaga welcomed Barcelona to the Estadio La Rosaleda on Sunday looking to record their first points of the La Liga season.
The home side defended well for large periods of the first half, but a long-range Adriano strike left Barcelona ahead at the interval.
Both sides had opportunities in the second period, but neither could add to the scoring as Barcelona held on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the La Rosaleda as a much-changed Malaga team welcome the champions Barcelona. Malaga will be hoping to record their first points of the season after losing to Valencia last weekend, but Barcelona are searching for the six-point mark after thumping a poor Levante side 7-0 on matchday one.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Malaga. As mentioned, Barcelona were 3-1 winners in the corresponding match last season, while the Catalan outfit also recorded a 4-2 win in this stadium in the Copa del Rey. In Malaga’s last five games against Barcelona, they have conceded 17 goals.
Despite finishing sixth in La Liga last season, Malaga did not qualify for the Europa League with their ban from European competition still standing. They have lost Manuel Pellegrini this summer, with the Chilean, who took charge at Manchester City, being replaced by former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster at the helm. He will be tasked with lifting the gloom this evening.
TEAMS:
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, S. Sanchez, Angeleri, Antunes; Darder, Camacho, Tissone; Pawlowski, Santa Cruz, Fabrice
BARCELONA: Valdes; Adriano, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Song, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Fabregas, Sanchez
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Malaga XI this evening with Roque Santa Cruz once more joined by Fabrice Olinga in the final third. Meanwhile, there are also starts for Ignacio Camacho and Sergi Darder in midfield. Barcelona are without the injured Lionel Messi, while Neymar is once more named on the bench. Here we go then, the away side get the action underway.
Not surprisingly, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early stages with the likes of Iniesta and Xavi seeing plenty of the ball. I touched on it earlier, but Messi is absent due to a groin injury, with Cesc Fabregas handed the central role in attack. It could be a long evening for Malaga, who lost to Valencia on the opening weekend of the season.
The first shot of the evening comes from Tissone as the former Real Mallorca midfielder picks the pocket of Mascherano outside the box before striking an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. End-to-end opening four minutes inside this wonderful stadium.
Just a few signs that Barcelona are starting to dominate proceedings this evening as the Catalan outfit continue to pass and probe outside the Malaga box. The home side do force the issue moments later as Fabrice fires a cross into the box, but Valdes is on hand to collect under slight pressure from Santa Cruz, who made his move to Malaga permanent this summer.
Adriano, who has started at right-back for Barcelona this evening, attempts to force the issue with a deep cross into the box, but Antunes is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Xavi combines with Song outside the box, but Sergio Sanchez picks the pocket of the Spanish midfielder. Still no real chances for either side with eight minutes on the clock.
It is almost like a training exercise for Barcelona at the moment as the La Liga champions continue to pass and probe outside the box, but the home side look nice and tight this evening. They also have the tools to hurt Barcelona on the counter with the pace and movement of Fabrice and Pawlowski, who is another new signing at the Spanish outfit this summer.
Alexis has a half-chance to open the scoring as the winger collects a pass from Fabregas before rounding the Malaga goalkeeper, but the offside flag is raised at the final moment. Replays have suggested that the Chilean might have been just level with the final defender. Malaga have got away with one there, but they have defended well in the opening 12 minutes of football.
Safe to say that Neymar does not look the happiest man inside the stadium at the moment with the Brazilian once more named on the Barcelona bench. However, Catalan boss Martino has vowed that he will ease the summer signing into the team over the next couple of weeks. Barcelona still in control of the possession, but neither side has been able to create an opening of note in the 15 minutes of football thus far.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match by some distance as Fabregas finds Alba, who fires a low cross towards Sanchez, but Antunes just manages to make contact before the Chilean winger. Barcelona have just started to up the tempo in the last few moments with a couple of corners in quick succession.
Not the prettiest of performances from Malaga in the opening 19 minutes, but it has certainly been effective. Once more the home side threaten on the counter as Fabrice drives past Adriano before finding Santa Cruz outside the box, but the former Manchester City striker loses possession at the vital moment. Still goalless with 19 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Fabregas meets a cross from Adriano, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. The Spaniard turns provider moments later as he finds Pedro inside the box, but the winger just loses control at the vital moment. Malaga cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the Catalan outfit continue to dominate proceedings.
Malaga finally have the ball in the Barcelona half as Gamez drives down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Mascherano is on hand to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to intervene in the last couple of moments following a number of late challenges. Well, Barcelona are finding it tougher than they did last week that is for certain.
It's a nasty challenge from Tissone as the Malaga midfielder clatters Iniesta just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Xavi, but his delivery is cleared by Sanchez. Fabregas remains the danger for the away side, meanwhile, as he continues to find that pocket of space just in front of the Malaga centre-backs.
It's good work from Santa Cruz as the powerful forward wins a free kick from Song outside the Barcelona box. However, the delivery is wasted from Camacho. The home side's possession does not last for long as Barcelona launch another counter with Pedro. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Malaga.
CHANCE! Malaga's best chance of the match by some distance as Antunes strikes a powerful free kick from outside the box, but Valdes just manages to make the save down to his left. The resulting corner is met by Sanchez, but he can only plant his header high and wide of the crossbar. Good spell for Malaga as this first period continues to gather pace.
Stop-start period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest free kick allows Sanchez the chance to whip his delivery into the near post, but his namesake Sergio Sanchez is on hand to clear the danger. Malaga have been very compact in defence thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Malaga squeezing Barcelona in the midfield. The Catalan outfit attempt to force it wide with Sanchez, but he cannot move past Antunes, who has been very impressive since joining Malaga last summer. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with the two sides still level at 0-0.
Fabregas is again in charge for Barcelona as the Spaniard drives into the box before delivering a low cross towards Sanchez, but once more Tissone is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting set piece is delivered into the area, but Santa Cruz performs his defensive duties. Without Messi, Barcelona are struggling to open up this stern defence there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Sanchez meets a cross from Fabregas, but Caballero is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. However, the Chilean had moved into an offside position. Malaga advance down the other end with Camacho, but the Spaniard is stopped in his tracks by Iniesta, who appeared to handle outside the box.
Schuster must be happy with what he has seen this evening with the German setting his team out to be tight and compact and that has indeed been the case. Not too much has happened in the last few moments with both sets of players more concerned with asking the referee to award yellow cards rather than concentrate on their own game.
Malaga have just started to open up in the last couple of moments, which is handing Barcelona space to operate in midfield. The away side have had 75% of the possession thus far, but they have not created too much in the final third. I shouldn't think that there will be too much time added at the end of the first period.
GOAL! Malaga 0-1 Barcelona (Adriano)
Oh my word that is some strike. Wonderful effort from Adriano as the Brazilian defender collects possession outside the box before firing a strike into the bottom corner. It was going to take something special to beat Caballero in this first period.
HALF-TIME: Malaga 0-1 Barcelona
That really is a bitter blow for Malaga, who have been very good defensively in the first period. They managed to keep Barcelona out for 44 minutes, but a wonderful strike from Adriano has moved the Catalan side into the lead. Can Malaga respond in the second period or are Barcelona heading for another three points?
STATISTICS: Malaga have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Portillo, Duda, Eliseu and Fernandez. Meanwhile, Barcelona do not have too much on the bench to be honest. Of course, I am joking, with the likes of Neymar, Tello and Dani Alves among those in reserve.
There is another La Liga fixture which is currently taking place with Levante holding Sevilla to a 0-0 draw. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Betis as the home side welcome Celta Vigo. Be sure to remain with us for that. Right, we are just a couple of minutes away from the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that Malaga need to score the next goal if they are to mount a challenge. It is difficult to seem them recovering from 2-0 behind against the best team in the league. Right, Malaga get the second period underway.
One change for Barcelona at the interval with Brazilian right-back Dani Alves entering the field in place of Adriano. It must be an injury. I shouldn't imagine he was taken off after smashing one into the bottom corner from outside the box. If that is the case, I would love to have been a fly on the wall in that conversation that is for certain.
Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the second period, but they are finding it tough to break through this Malaga defence. I suspect we will see the likes of Neymar introduced as the second period gathers pace. For Malaga, well they need to provide much more attacking intent in the second period.
Malaga cannot get out of their own penalty box let alone half at the moment as Barcelona continue to force the issue. A poor challenge from Antunes presents the away side with a free kick just outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Malaga goalkeeper. Can Malaga turn this one around with little under 40 minutes of football remaining?
Another half-chance for the away side as Fabregas meets a cross from Alba, but his header is straight at Caballero, who has had a busy start to the second period. I suspect that Schuster could look to his bench in around 10 minutes or so. He has the likes of Eliseu, Duda and Portillo, who are all capable of causing problems that is for certain.
A poor pass from Sanchez puts Angeleri in all sorts of trouble just outside his own box, but luckily the referee awards a free kick following pressure from Alexis. Malaga attempt to break down the other end with Pawlowski, who can fly, but Mascherano is across to calm proceedings. Still 1-0 with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments as Gamez becomes the first player to enter the book for a poor challenge on Sanchez. The resulting free kick allows Alba the chance to whip a free kick into the box, but once more the danger is headed clear. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining, with Barcelona still leading courtesy of that fine Adriano strike.
CROSSBAR! Pique comes close to making it two for Barcelona as the centre-back meets a free kick from Xavi, but his header smashes against the crossbar. That could and probably should have been game over. Still Malaga remain in the match, but they have created next to nothing in the second period thus far.
Malaga have the chance to force the issue with a deep free kick into the box, but Pique just manages to clear under pressure from Fabrice. Sanchez is in trouble moments later, meanwhile, as the centre-back enters the book for a poor challenge on Fabregas. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining at the La Rosaleda.
Not too much is happening at the moment truth be told with Barcelona dominating possession without really threatening to score a second. Alexis Sanchez is next to enter the book, meanwhile, for something he said to the linesman. It is all getting slightly bitty. Although Neymar has just entered the pitch in place of Pedro, who has faded badly.
Malaga make a change of their own as their experienced Portuguese midfielder Eliseu enters the field in place of Pawlowski. Antunes has a half-chance for the home side moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Meanwhile, the challenges continue to fly in from both sides in the second period.
Stop-start period of the match in the last 10 minutes or so with the referee awarding a number of free kicks. The latest set piece, which arrives following a handball from Antunes, allows Xavi to deliver a cross into the area, but Sanchez heads clear before Caballero comes to punch out of the box. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Malaga.
POST! Oh my word what a chance. Wonderful opportunity for Malaga to level the scores as Santa Cruz rounds Valdes before finding Fabrice, but the youngster can only turn his effort onto the post with Valdes beaten. I am not sure they will get a better chance to level the scores in the latter stages.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Iniesta collects possession in midfield before finding the run of Neymar, but the Brazilian had just moved into an offside position. Neymar turns provider moments later as he slides a pass towards Fabregas, but again the danger is cleared. It hasn't been pretty, but Barcelona are on course for three points this evening.
The second period has really struggled to gain any sort of tempo with the number of fouls that are being committed from both sides. The referee has done well to keep a lid on proceedings, he could easily have sent a couple of players off. Barcelona have possession with little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
Double change for the home side as Fernandez and Morales enter the field in place of Camacho and Fabrice, who has impressed this evening there is no question about that. Both have little under 10 minutes to force an equaliser against the Spanish champions. You just get the feeling that there will be another golden chance in the final stages.
Sanchez is a lucky boy here as the centre-back fouls Neymar outside the box, but the referee does not issue a second yellow card. He should have walked for that. The resulting free kick is taken by Neymar, but Caballero is across to make a fine save. That could have been a special moment for the Brazilian.
Neymar again tries his luck from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. Barcelona look to their bench for the third and final time, meanwhile, as Iniesta is replaced by Roberto, who has been tipped to enjoy a big season. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with Barcelona comfortable in possession of the ball. Just a reminder that the La Liga action does not end with this match this evening with Real Betis welcoming Celta Vigo in the late start. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in Malaga.
Couple of free kick shouts for Malaga with Pique twice appearing to foul Santa Cruz, but the referee is not interested. Neymar threatens down the other end moments later, but the Brazilian cannot gather at the final moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to level the scores as Tissone meets a cross from Antunes, but his header is saved by Valdes from close range. Neymar is down the other end moments later, but his effort deflects high and wide of the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Malaga 0-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. Barcelona pick up all three points courtesy of that wonderful first-half strike from Adriano. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Betis against Celta Vigo. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
