SM
Inter Milan vs. Como: 5 hrs 51 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
La Liga
Sep 24, 2014 at 9pm UK
 
BL

0-0

 
FT

Match Analysis: Malaga 0-0 Barcelona

:Headline: Match Analysis: Malaga 0-0 Barcelona: ID:178768: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a closer look at the goalless draw between Malaga and Barcelona.

Barcelona's 100% record in La Liga came to an end on Wednesday as Malaga earned a deserved goalless draw against the title chasers.

In a match dominated by two stubborn defences, Malaga created the better chances as Barcelona failed to recreate the same form their supporters have enjoyed watching this season.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at the key talking points from the match.

Match statistics

Malaga
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 30%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 15

Barcelona
Shots: 10
On target: 0
Possession: 70%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 13

Was the result fair?

Usually in a goalless draw, one side can count themselves slightly lucky, but not tonight. Malaga fans will tell you that they created the better chances, and that was certainly true. However, on the balance of play, a draw must be considered the fairest result.

Malaga's performance

One thing is certain, a draw is definitely a better result for Malaga. Javi Gracia's side produced a defensive masterclass to frustrate the visitors as they reduced the space on offer in midfield, and won every individual battle against Barca's attacking players. They defended from the front, too, with Nordin Amrabat leading the line to close down every player in a Barcelona shirt.

Barcelona's performance

Surprisingly poor from Luis Enrique's side. When was the last time you saw Barcelona fail to register a shot on target? It was an uninspiring display going forward from the title challengers as Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Pedro all struggled to find the space they crave. Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta saw plenty of the ball in midfield, but they were prevented from making any impact in the game. Enrique will rarely see this group of players produce such a poor attacking display.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Sergio Sanchez: The 28-year-old typified everything that was great about Malaga in this match. Sanchez made an incredible number of tackles and interceptions. He led the defence superbly, and was a big reason why Messi had a rare quiet night at the office.

Biggest gaffe

It's a tough choice, but Weligton risked ruining all of his side's good work late on when he grabbed Messi by the face. Luckily for the Brazilian, he was only shown a yellow card.

Referee performance

Alejandro Hernandez only really made one mistake as he decided against sending off Weligton, but a congested penalty area could have played a role in that choice.

What next?

Malaga: Gracia's side return to action against Getafe on Sunday morning.

Barcelona: The title chasers will look to return to winning ways when they host Granada on Saturday.

amp_article__178768 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2014-09-25 08:03:08:
html db last update - 2014-09-25 08:03:08 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .