La Liga, Week 19: Messi Nets Hat Trick In Barcelona Win; Madrid-Bilbao Later

Jose Solomon Rondon scored in the 85th minute with a very well-placed finish, but would be Malaga’s only goal. The home side forced a couple of early saves out of Victor Valdes early in the match, but until the Rondon goal, the second half completely belonged to Barcelona.

For more on the Blaugranes, check out Barca Blaugranes.

Mourinho will no doubt have the second leg meeting with the Blaugranes on his mind, but getting it out of his player’s heads will likely be more important. Madrid looked annoyed and frustrated by the final whistle on Wednesday and any malaise from that disappointing performance could open a door for Los Leones.

Game Date/Time: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET

On the menu this week is a trip to La Rosaleda to face eighth place Malaga. This is the first meeting in league play between the clubs this season, but Barca had little trouble dispatching Los Boquerones twice last season.

Let’s be completely honest here, matches like this are quickly becoming “must-wins” for Barcelona. It might seem silly to say that in January, but that’s the nature of things when you’re chasing a team as talented as Real Madrid in the table.

Strong match right out of the gate, as per usual. Middle of the table sides trending down, tons of ex-prospects battling it out to see which side might finish on the right end of 10th place? Count me in.

Pick: 1-1 draw.