The match kicked off in the worst possible way for Málaga. In the first minute of play, Messi put in a cross to the right of Suárez, who launched towards Kameni from an acute angle, leaving the ball at Munir’s feet who went on to score the 0-1. Following the initial blow, Gracia’s men maintained the pressure upfront, causing danger on the left thanks to ‘Chory’ Castro, who made his debut at La Rosaleda. Cop and Charles, both with headers, and Chory, with a shot that hit the post in minute 14’ after a corner, exemplified the ‘Malaguista’ reaction.
In order to try and curb the Blue and Whites’ momentum, Barça opted for their classic control football mid-way through the first half. However, in minute 25’, a clear foul could have resulted in the maximum penalty for Mascherano on Charles, who was shown the yellow card in a tight action by the Argentine player. The surprising insecurity shown by rival keeper, Bravo, unclear on his feet, caused a serious shock for the Catalan-based team.
The deserved equaliser (1-1) came in minute 31’, in a rapid play in which a mischievous Juanpi scored a confident goal in the heart of the area. This is the first LaLiga goal this season for the Venezuelan player, and provided a real morale boost for the home fans. Luis Enrique’s men tried to take advantage of a local defence error, nearly allowing Messi to score, but Torres saved the day just before half-time.
Barcelona looked to recover the rhythm of the game in the second half with more fluidity in the wide area as Busquets and Iniesta took control. The visitors’ 1-2 lead in minute 51’ arrived as Andrés opened up the left wing and an accurate cross by Adriano to Messi, without dropping the ball mid-volley, led him to score Barça’s second goal. Another blow for Málaga, who always showed willing and really got into the match.
Fifteen minutes into the second half and the ‘Malaguistas’ tried to rush their options to equalise the game. Camacho was all over the pitch in an attempt to react to the second visitors’ goal. Gracia made some changes, bringing on Pablo to replace a feisty Recio (68’). An omnipresent Camacho, sporting a head bandage after he received a blow to the right parietal lobe, tried his luck with a shot that Bravo deflected with some difficulty (73’).
Ten minutes before the final whistle, Roque substituted Cop on the ‘Malaguista’ attack. Straight after, Duda replaced Weligton, who finished up with muscular problems to his left quadriceps, pending tests next week. Charles, with a shot to Chory searched for the equaliser in minute 85’, but the ball went high.
A fantastic save by Kameni from a Messi shot at goal gave more life to a tireless Málaga. The crowd was chanting ‘La Bombonera’ just before the final whistle, with the 1-2 result not recognising the effort of the home team.