Unimpressive Barcelona overcome Malaga to extend unbeaten run in La Liga | Quick Reaction and Player Ratings

Barcelona extended their unbeaten run in La Liga with an important 2-0 victory against Malaga at the Camp Nou in Matchday 9 of La Liga.

While adding another three points was obviously the target before kick off, the truth is that Barca was far from brilliant throughout the game. Sure, there were some remarkable plays at given points but undeniable sensation is that the team is still in the under-construction phase. Further improvement is certainly needed if the Blaugranas are to truly challenge for significant silverware at the end of the season.

Contrary to what most predicted, Ernesto Valverde did not rotate his squad despite facing the team at the very bottom of the La Liga table at home. Javier Mascherano and Lucas Digne were the only non-usuals to not be given the nod at the start, and Sergi Roberto was picked ahead of Nelson Semedo once again at right-back. I must admit I am getting increasingly concerned about the lack of rest given to the theoretically best eleven and, unless the manager implements true rotation soon, I do fear that the team will be short of legs in the decisive, final third of the season.

The game started with Gerard Deulofeu scoring a goal that should not have stood given that the ball was already outside the pitch before Digne provided the assist. Barcelona controlled possession from then on but were unable to trouble Malaga’s keeper as often as they would have hoped for. Fortunately, a brilliant combination between Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta enabled Don Andres to find the back of the net and, ultimately, secure the victory.

Match Stats:

Player Ratings:

Ter Stegen – 7


Sergi Roberto – 8
Mascherano – 8
Umtiti – 7
Digne – 6


Busquets – 7
Iniesta – 8
Rakitic – 6


Deulofeu – 6
Luis Suarez – 6
Messi – 7


Subs:
Paulinho – 7
Semedo – 6
Alcacer – 6

Who would be in your Barca all-time eleven? We picked ours here, check it out:


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