GettyImagesThiago Alcantara scored a fine goal for Barcelona as they beat Malaga 3-1

Barcelona achieved a hard-fought 1-3 win against Malaga at La Rosaleda in Matchday 19 of La Liga. Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara scored the goals for the Blaugrana, who enjoyed 64 percent of possession and attempted 12 shots, four of them on target.

This certainly was a very keenly contested clash, a close match-up between the most incisive attack against the defence with the best record in the Spanish league.

To their merit, Malaga tried to play Barcelona at their own game by keeping the ball, maintaining possession and slowing the rhythm well. This brave, unusual approach worked for most of the first half, with the Andaluces pulling Barcelona into their own field until (surprise, surprise) Lionel Messi unbalanced the game after a gift from the local defence.

A cruel way for Malaga to confirm that if there is a player in world football who doesn't need any help to find the net it's the little Argentinean genius. While the unexpected initial goal gave the Blaugranas the opportunity to ease back into gear, the truth is the game was obviously far from over.

That being said, Tito Vilanova's men were clearly the better team from then on and managed to create a good number of chances that, had the shots been slightly more accurate, would have extended the Catalan lead even further.

As the game developed, Cesc Fabregas did just that to reflect how the game developed after the half-time break: The Blaugrana pass-and-move philosophy had taken over the whole pitch and there was very little the courageous Malaga team could do about it.

Great to see Thiago Alcantara coming from the bench to score after a classy combination with Messi, definitely building on his performance in the Copa Del Rey in midweek. The next generation is slowly but surely demanding to have an increasing presence in the first team, a sign of how productive the La Masia youth system continues to be.

Barcelona have won every single one of the 10 away matches played in the La Liga so far and netted 35 goals in the process, a remarkable improvement from last season when the Blaugranas had already lost 13 points and only scored 16 times away from the Camp Nou at this stage.

Records continue to fall: 55 points achieved out of a possible 57 thanks to a mind-blowing 64 goals in just 19 matches. Sublime on the ball, hard-working without it. Out-classing opponents week in, week out.

Let's be clear though: The Liga table at this midway point of the season looks incredibly positive and Cules must be proud of a team that has definitely surpassed the most optimistic predictions under Tito Vilanova and broken countless records as a result - the last one becoming the best ever winter champions, of course.

Having said that, the 11-point difference over Atletico de Madrid, while significant, is definitely not big enough to argue the title race is over with 19 matches to go. Sure, the signs are incredibly positive but many things can happen over the next few months.

As for Real Madrid, all I will say is that the gobsmacking 18 point difference is unheard of at this stage and reflects the two very different paths taken by both clubs this season.

With the 10 day break over the festive period now a distant memory, the players' appetite for victory must continue in order to alleviate the relentless pressure of facing a new challenge every three days.

Player Ratings (0-10; 10=best)

Victor Valdes (6) - Generally solid. Couldn't do much to save Diego Buonanotte's brilliant free-kick in the dying moments of the match.

Dani Alves (6) - Decent performance from the Brazilian full-back who, let's face it, continues to be painfully far from his former best. A good effort nonetheless.

Gerard Pique (6) - Stepped up to lead the Barcelona defence once again, solving most dangerous situations effectively.

Javier Mascherano (6) - Tackled efficiently when needed, kept his position well and managed to solve potentially tricky situations safely. Preferred to Carles Puyol once again.

Jordi Alba (7) - Joined attack freely from the left wing, causing the Malaga defenders an extra headache. His defending was also spot on, as he managed to track back quickly whenever needed.

Sergio Busquets (7) - Played a crucial role in controlling the game, especially during the second half. I don't normally highlight individual tricks, but seeing how the team's defensive midfielder wowed the crowds by dribbling three opponents with a tremendous roulette move, showing his quick feet and balance, is a clear example of the unparalleled skills of the squad as a whole.

Xavi Hernandez (8) - Showcased his undeniable vision and leadership skills during the whole match, pacing Barcelona's possessions excellently. Great distribution and a constant reference in midfield.

Cesc Fabregas (8) - Confirmed why Tito Vilanova continues to pick him as a starting midfielder with his mobility and ability to connect with those around him, regardless of where on the pitch he happens to be. Scored the second Barcelona goal with a confident strike after a well-timed diagonal run from the right wing.

Lionel Messi (9) - Man of the Match - Unstoppable. Made the most out of an awful back pass from Ignacio Camacho to open the scoring with his 37th goal of the season, showing why he is regarded as the smartest guy in modern football. Assisted Cesc Fabregas for the second Blaugrana goal, then Thiago for the third. The quadruple Ballon d'Or winner has now scored in 9 consecutive La Liga games, getting increasingly close to Brazilian Ronaldo's record (10) back in 1996/97.

Pedro Rodriguez (6) - Commemorated his 5th year as a first-team Barcelona player with a spirited performance, constantly looking for spaces and impeding the Malaga defenders from building freely from the back.

Andres Iniesta (8) - Another display of utter class. Became more influential as the game developed, tearing the Malaga back-line apart with clever dribbling and quick, almost magical combinations.

Substitutes: Thiago Alcantara (8), Alexis Sanchez (5)

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