Barcelona have taken a narrow 1-0 lead at the halfway stage of their match against Malaga this evening courtesy of a Gerard Pique goal.

The hosts came within inches of breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes when Alexis Sanchez found space inside the Malaga box, but his shot kissed the outside of the post on its way behind.

Barca kept pushing for an opener and almost got it in the 22nd minute when Lionel Messi tried to lift an effort over Willy Caballero, only for it to drop narrowly past the post.

Malaga's first real sight of goal came just after the half-hour mark when Duda's free kick was met by Bartlomiej Pawlowski, who saw his effort from close range well saved by Victor Valdes.

The hosts responded almost immediately with a chance of their own when Jordi Alba guided a shot towards the top corner, but Caballero was equal to the effort.

Alba came close again five minutes later, but the home team wouldn't have to wait much longer for the opening goal as Pique slammed a loose ball home from close range following a Xavi corner.

If things stay the same, then Barcelona will return to the top of La Liga, leapfrogging the two Madrid clubs in the process.