Half-Time Report: Lionel Messi gives Barcelona the lead

Lionel Messi's goal has given Barcelona the lead over Malaga at half time in this evening's La Liga meeting at La Rosaleda.

A win for Tito Vilanova's side would see them regain their 11-point lead at the top of the table.

The visitors were dominant for much of the opening half and they made the breakthrough in the 27th minute when Messi capitalised on a poor pass from Ignacio Camacho before rounding goalkeeper Willie Caballero to slot in.

Malaga showed some fight at the end of the 45 minutes with chances for Isco and Roque Santa Cruz, but they were unable to get themselves level.