A second match in a short time frame will give Tito Vilanova's side a chance to claim their second victory over Malaga in just a few days. The Spanish League leaders will get to host Malaga this time around with the visitors having to really face an even bigger uphill battle in comparison to playing Barcelona away from the Nou Camp.
The Blaugrana find themselves 11 points clear of their nearest rival which is Atletico Madrid, so that should allow Tito Vilanova to use some of his key players if needed.
Vilanova will be well aware that Malaga has proven throughout the season that they are a solid team, so the Spanish manager will not want to take this match lightly.
Malaga's domestic form has not been as impressive as they have been on the European stage. Currently fifth in La Liga with 31 points, the visitors will certainly want to take it to Barcelona as they technically have nothing to lose.
A scoreless draw at the Nou Camp would be ideal for Malaga, but keeping Barcelona off the score-sheet at home is not an easy task. The only team to keep the Blaugrana off the score-sheet at home was Benfica as both sides played to a 0-0 draw in the final Group Stage match in the Champions League.
Previous Matches
01-13-13 Malaga 1-3 Barcelona
05-02-12 Barcelona 4-1 Malaga
01-22-12 Malaga 1-4 Barcelona
05-21-11 Malaga 1-3 Barcelona
01-16-11 Barcelona 4-1 Malaga
02-27-10 Barcelona 2-1 Malaga
Prediction
Knowing what is at stake in the Copa del Rey, Malaga will know exactly what they need to do to leave the Nou Camp with a positive result. It obviously will not be easy, but at least they will know what is expected of them.
Having lost their last six encounters with Barcelona, the odds are clearly against the visitors. But, that should and most likely will not stop them from believing.
Barcelona has scored in every match this season with the exception of one, so it is unlikely that they will not score on Wednesday.
Malaga would most likely take a 1-0 defeat, giving them a better opportunity at home, but their track record against Barcelona suggests that things could be worst.
In Malaga's defense, they have at least been able to score one goal in all six previous encounters, so if they could grab a goal at the Nou Camp, that would be important for the second leg. But, they will need to make sure they also do not concede three or four because that would make things much more difficult in the return leg.
The hosts appear to have what it takes to defeat Malaga by multiple goals as they have done in their last five matches. Vilanova may opt to send out some younger players, but those younger players are just as effective as the starting XI for Barcelona.
Barcelona 3-1 Malaga
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