Barcelona player ratings as their title hopes are hit by Malaga
Neymar was sent off after Mathieu had foolishly played Sandro onside earlier
Umtiti and Messi were the best of a very bad bunch of Barcelona players on Saturday
Ter Stegen (5) Malaga didn't demand much from him in the first half, but he made an error playing out from the back which could have been costly. Could have done better with Sandro's goal, but little he could do about the second.
Mascherano (5) Couldn't add to much in attack and was often beaten by Malaga's attackers, especially Sandro. Suffered at 4-3-3 and 3-4-3.
Umtiti (7) The French defender's in good form. He's quick, maintains possession and doesn't often make mistakes on the ball. This was his first ever loss in La Liga.
Mathieu (4) Sandro's goal was his fault. Tried to play offside, but it wasn't (the former Barça man was in his own half). Luis Enrique didn't forget and removed him at the break.
Alba (5) Struggled to get into the game as Barça returned to 4-3-3. Booked in the first half and is now a yellow from a ban, so could miss the Clasico if booked against Real Sociedad.
Busquets (5) Was too slow on the ball and too concerned about the referee.
Denis Suárez (5) Was never really seen. Couldn't create danger, but was OK on the ball, although without taking risks. Was taken off at half-time for Iniesta.
André Gomes (4) Got worse as the game went on. Messi created a great chance for him, but he was slow and showed little commitment to make the most of the opportunity. Taken off on the hour mark.
Messi (7) All Barça's play came through his boots. Came close from a couple of free-kicks and created several chances. But his talent wasn't enough to save his side in Malaga.
Suárez (6) Could have opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but was denied by Kameni. Looked to pick up an injury early on but completed the game.
Neymar (4) Lost more balls than normal and didn't get into too many one-on-ones. And when he was beginning to get into the game, he was dismissed. He had been shown a yellow card already for fiddling with his boots and delaying a Malaga set play. Was then shown another caution for a foul on Llorente.
Substitutes:
Sergi Roberto (6) Versatile and involved. In the game's decisive moment he was fouled, but the referee didn't give a penalty but a free-kick, even though he was in the area. Also had a great chance to make it 1-1 in minute 88, but was denied by Kameni.
Iniesta (5) Lacked the capacity to change the game this time. Played the whole second half, but Malaga left little space.
Alcácer (5) Played technically on the right, but couldn't make his mark. He's as his best in the area.
