Barcelona's undefeated streak ended abruptly against an opponent that nobody had in mind to end it. Javi Gracia's Malaga took advantage of a gross mistake by Dani Alves to score the game's only goal. With this win, Malaga ends a 12-game streak at Camp Nou without a victory.
Los Blaugranas started the game with a bang, generating opportunities and corner kicks, but Gracia's well placed defense cleared all the danger from their box. Just after seven minutes of playing time, Carlos Kameni kicked a long ball towards Alves' direction, but the Brazilian wing back failed to control the ball and did not pass it correctly to Claudio Bravo, leaving Juanmi all alone to score the go ahead goal for Los Boquerones.
After this appalling mistake, Barcelona had most of the opportunities to draw the match, but neither Lionel Messi nor Luis Suarez were capable of shifting the game for Los Culés. Malaga got close to making it 2-0, but a timely tackle by Rafinha denied the visitors a more comfortable lead.
The game did not change that much after the break, but Malaga kept winning chances on the fast break. Samuel Castillejo and Ricardo Horta wasted great chances against Bravo, but Luis Enrique's crew was not able to outperform Malaga's defenders.
With this loss, Barcelona could end this week four points away from Real Madrid if Los Blancos win tomorrow, while Atletico Madrid could close the gap with them later today.
Want to know what Alves' unfortunate play meant to fans and trolls? Scroll down and find out!
"Dani Alves after the game against Malaga"
Dani Alves después del partido ante Málaga pic.twitter.com/uXmUgFipMw
— Ale Padín (@alepadin) February 21, 2015
Lovely assist by Dani Alves https://t.co/eMrg6CkLHd
— Rey LaMadrid (@ReyLaMadrid) February 21, 2015
Hey Dani Alves maybe that's why Barcelona aren't in contract discussions with you?
— Kirsten Schlewitz (@KDS_Football) February 21, 2015
Keeper sends ball long, Dani Alves tries volley first time back to Bravo but underhits difficult pass. Juanmi says thanks and fires in.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 21, 2015
1st goal conceeded because:- The black cat? ❌ DANI ALVES?✅ pic.twitter.com/3uxcx6q3mh
— System Barca (@SystemBarca) February 21, 2015
me at dani alves pic.twitter.com/zDzW7yzyMU
— keezus (@Kendra_Villegas) February 21, 2015
Dani Alves pic.twitter.com/qNaJXIHgw2
— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) February 21, 2015
Luis Enrique & Louis Van Gaal are surely going to hold each other close tonight
— Zachary Fagenson (@ZachIsWeird) February 21, 2015
"Barcelona lost"
Perdió el Barcelona... pic.twitter.com/BKROz9EPnE
— Bullying Futbolero (@BullyingFutbol) February 21, 2015
Bandwagon Barcelona fans nowhere to be found...
— The Soccer Life (@TheSoccerLifee) February 21, 2015
Barcelona lose their 4th Liga game of the season, they have now 56 points after 24 games #fcblive
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) February 21, 2015