La Liga 2016/17: Barcelona 0-0 Malaga - 5 Talking Points

A frustrating night for Barcelona

Club football is finally back after a long international break. While all the attention in Spain was towards the Madrid Derby, Barcelona’s game against Malaga was nothing short of intense and exciting. Barcelona kicked off in the Camp Nou, knowing that a win could take them to the top of the table as the Madrid Derby was scheduled for later that night. 

However, it turned out to be a forgettable night at the Camp Nou as Barcelona were held by Malaga to a 0-0 draw. Despite being a goalless game, it was one of the most breathtaking matches of the season. Controversy, fantastic defending, superman like goalkeeping and great attacking football, the game was a complete package. Here are five talking points from the game. 

#1 The importance of Gerard Pique 

The Spaniard has been having a fantastic season and he showed us that he is still at the top of his game and a vital player for Barcelona in big games.

In the defence, Pique was impossible to get past. He was strong, well positioned, composed and alert all through the game. His tackle to Sandro after a loose pass from Sergio Busquets was impeccable. Going forward in the last twenty minutes, Pique troubled the Malaga defence more than any other Barcelona player did. His height was a big positive and won almost every header that he contested for. 

He was clearly fouled in the box in the dying moments and was unlucky to have a penalty denied. He also scored a goal after Andre Gomes hit the post with a header but was ruled offside in what seemed to be a very close call.