Barca finally see off Malaga to set up a classic semifinal clash with rivals Real Madrid. The second leg was an exciting contest. Going into the game, Barcelona knew they had to score having conceded 2 goals at Camp Nou.
The visitors started in style as they attacked Malaga constantly. Their efforts paid dividends and in the 8th minute as Pedro headed the ball in the net from a delightful cross by Dani Alves.
Having taken the lead, Barca lost concentration and Malaga took full advantage as Joaquin equalized from inside the area in 12th minute. The goal meant that Barcelona had to score again to qualify for the semifinals and they nearly did as Demichellis mistake set up Lionel Messi, but his strike was saved my Malaga’s goalie Kameni.
The scoreline remained the same as the teams went into the dressing room with the home side having the advantage. However, 4 minutes into the second half, Pique restored Barca’s lead. The Spaniard controlled a wonder ball provided by Iniesta and scored with a left footed drive to make it 2-1.
Malaga having gone behind, constantly attacked the visitors. Leo Messi missed a brilliant chance as Kameni saved again in the 68th minute and Fabregas got injured in looking to score from the rebound. Malaga on the other hand counter attacked swiftly and Roque Santa Cruz struck a brilliant low strike in the net to equalize.
Mascherano got booked for complaining about why the game was not stopped when Fabregas was lying injured. At 2-2, the game was heading to extra time with only 20 odd minutes remaining, but Barcelona were never going to stay back as they piled up pressure on Malaga’s defense and in the 76th minute Fabregas setup Iniesta who made no mistake to slot the ball home from 8 yards to make it 3-2.
The goal meant that now the home side had to score 2 more to qualify but any hopes of a comeback was blown away by Barcelona as they scored 4th of the night. Dani Alves once again provided a superb ball to Messi who easily headed the ball in the net to make it 4-2.
Barcelona will now face Los Blancos in the semifinals of Copa Del Rey much to the excitement of the supporters worldwide. Madrid will be looking to beat their rivals to somehow earn a shot at winning a Spanish title this season as they are seemingly almost out of La Liga title race.
Barca See Off Malaga in an Exciting Contest
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