FC Barcelona has managed to win another match, this time against Malaga in the twenty-fourth round of the Spanish League. The Spanish champions had to give an extraordinary effort during the match, as their rivals gave a strong fight.
Although Bara displayed an evident superiority, it wasn't easy for the team to get the win. From the opening minutes, Malaga players imposed themselves, blocking the locals' defense, including defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.
The two had some trouble controlling the ball. Midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets moved to take charge of receiving the balls in their area, hoping to develop Bara's game.
The Boquerones launched a strong attack in Bara's advance, focusing all action on the center of the pitch. Barcelona responded, turning its game to the sidelines, where the Brazilian defenders Maxwell and Dani Alvez - the latter of whom was out for three weeks due to injury - did an outstanding job.
Malaga tried to match the locals, resisting during Bara's attacks. In the midst of the action, Pique committed a foul in the area against Nigerian striker Victo Obinna, giving the visitors an opportunity to open the scoring. However, Malaga was unable to capitalize.
During the penalty kick, an accurate left-footed shot from Portuguese midfielder Duda endangered the local's goal; however, a quick response from Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes prevented the shot from scoring. The penalty kick was the only risk Bara suffered during the first half.
After that, Barcelona took control of the game. With the ball in their possession, the Spanish leaders had several opportunities but failed to score, largely due to the outstanding work by Gustavo Munua, Malaga's goalkeeper, who offered an incredible defense of his net. One of the most breathtaking moments of the match saw Munua deflect a hard shot from Xavi above the goal.
Barcelona was consistent in its attempts, but its attackers seemed to lack precision. The first half ended at 0-0.
The second half began with the visiting team squared away in its area, in defensive mode, waiting to deflect the Azulgranas' shots out of the area. Bara exhibited skill but wasn't particularly dangerous.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the one who began to flirt with risk. The Swedish player made two direct headers to the goal, but again Munua showcased, arresting the ball.
It wasn't until minute 69 that the score finally opened. Bara striker Pedro Rodriguez brought the score to 1-0.
The point seemed to increase Bara's confidence; in fact, it seemed to increase it too much. Malaga took advantage, scoring at minute 81, thanks to a shot from midfielder Valdo.
The draw put Barcelona in a difficult situation: the outcome of the game would determine whether the team continued as the leader of the Spanish League. If the players didn't manage the three points from victory, Barcelona would drop to second place after Real Madrid's 5-1 victory against Tenerife.
With just ten minutes left, Bara concentrated on regaining control of the match. The final, determining point was scored by Lionel Messi. Xavi sent a difficult pass to Alvez, who gave it to the Argentine. Messi scored at minute 84, putting the score at 2-1, locking in Bara's victory in the game and preserving its position at the top of the league.
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