According to the scoreline, all it took for FC Barcelona to defeat Malaga was a 44th minute goal from Brazilian full-back Adriano Correia, although anyone who watched the match will know that the scoreline doesn't tell the whole story. Rather than coasting to victory off the back of Adriano's golazo, Barcelona were forced to work extremely hard for their three points -- which is far from ideal given the hectic and testing schedule ahead for Gerardo Martino's Blaugrana. In the absence of Lionel Messi, Barcelona were almost toothless in attack for the first-half, although thankfully, Adriano's goal and the half-time break gave the Barca frontline a little more confidence, and they would have added to their lead if not for Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
Neymar provided us with another impressive cameo off the bench and Sergi Roberto at least didn't look out of place in the midfield during his brief substitute appearance.
The 1-0 win ensures that Barcelona will keep their place at the top of the La Liga table (provided Real Madrid do not win by seven goals against Granada tonight), and extended the Blaugrana's unbeaten run to eight games (including a run of seven consecutive wins in league action). With just one goal conceded in their opening three matches, Barcelona boast one of the best defenses in Europe (statistically speaking anyway) and that record is only likely to improve once Carles Puyol returns from injury.
More from Barca Blaugranes:
- FC Barcelona News: 25 August 2013: Barca Defeat Malaga, Atleti Coast To Win Over Rayo
- La Liga: Malaga CF 0-1 FC Barcelona: Match Review
- Barcelona vs. Malaga - The Importance of Resting Lionel Messi
- FC Barcelona News: 24 August 2013: Dani Alves Talks To Press, Bale Urged To Join Real Madrid
- Atlético 1 - Barça 1: A Lesson in Tactics