Barcelona ease past Malaga

Barcelona have regained their 11-point lead at the top of the La Liga table with a comfortable 3-1 win at Malaga.

© AP Photos

The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute when Lionel Messi capitalised on Ignacio Camacho's poor pass before he rounded goalkeeper Willy Caballero to slot in.

Barca were rarely troubled by their hosts and they all but put the game to bed five minutes after the restart as Cesc Fabregas fired into the bottom corner following Messi's scooped assist.

The win was sealed with eight minutes left on the clock thanks to Thiago Alcantara's slick run and finish.

However, Malaga got themselves on the board late on through Diego Buonanotte's bending free kick.