Barcelona has had a forgettable week. The team drew 2-2 in its Copa del Rey match against Malaga at home last week before falling 3-2 to Real Sociedad in league play. Furthermore, the team had to deal with the distraction of goalkeeper Victor Vales announcing his desire to leave the club at the end of his contract. The players are likely fuming as they prepare for their tilt with Malaga and a chance to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey.
The task for home team Malaga is straight forward. Outscore Barcelona (win), shut them out, or not allow more than two goals regardless of the results. A 3-3 draw favors Barcelona as they would have more away goals on the aggregate; away goals are valued higher than home goals. When these teams met at the Camp Nou last week, Malaga jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute courtesy of a goal from Manuel Iturru. Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol scored a goal one minute apart to vault Barcelona to a 2-1 lead that the team held until Ignacio Camacho scored in the 89th minute to force a draw.
This will be the third time that these teams face off in 2013. In the first tilt of league play, Barcelona won 3-1 in Malaga thanks to goals from Messi, Cesc Fabregas, and Thiago.
The winner of this match takes on Real Madrid who won its matchup with Valencia by an aggregate score of 3-1. If Barcelona were to win, it would be the first of three Clasicos in 2013 with a fourth and fifth possible if the teams meet in the Champions League.
Predictions: Barcelona will win this, but the battle will be tough. 3-2 Barcelona.
Start Time: 4 PM EST
TV Info: beIN Sport USA
Follow Live Score and Updates HERE.
UPDATES: Pedro Scores in the 7th minute for Barcelona but Joaquin tied it in the 11th. 1-1 Dead Lock 12 minutes in.
After one half, the score is tied 1-1. The aggregate score stands at 3-3, but Malaga would go through thanks to its two away goals at the Camp Nou last week.
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