Barcelona v Malaga – Match Preview and Betting Tip

Bundesliga | Article posted on May 31st, 2025

This match signals something of the end of an era for both of these teams. For Malaga, it is highly likely to be the final game at the club for their highly-rated and successful coach Manuel Pellegrini. And for Barca, this season will mark the end of an era, as the new season will bring a new experience for this particular squad; they will have the opportunity to be the hunter instead of the hunted.

Previously Barcelona had been considered the supreme example of club football in the world over a period of roughly seven years, during which time they have won the Champions League three times. Although Barca hadn’t completely dominated European football during this period, they had reached an unprecedented six consecutive European semi-finals, had a season in which they won seven trophies, consistently boasted the world’s best player, and been generally considered to the best team on the planet, playing the best and most sophisticated brand of football.

Their 7-0 humiliation – and it was a humiliation – at the hands of Bayern Munich ended that. For now, they have to accept that they are not Europe’s premier football club, something that will be a blow to their ego and collective self-worth. Already steps have been made to redress the balance with the signing of the Brazilian Neymar. Signings at the back are expected as well, and we may see a very dangerous Barcelona indeed next season now that they are a wounded animal. Certainly they will start as roughly joint favourites with Bayern Munich to win the Champions League.

But before that they must fulfill their league fixtures for this season against Malaga. Usually having won the league by a country mile, this would be an utterly meaningless game for Barca. But given that a victory will give them precisely 100 points in their league season, the first time that the Catalans have achieved this in their history, they still have plenty to play for. A century of points in just 38 games; not bad for a club in crisis.

Barcelona (possible 4-3-3)

Valdés

Alves • Piqué • Mascherano • Alba

Xavi • Song • Iniesta

Pedro • Fàbregas • Sánchez

Malaga (possible 4-2-3-1)

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Caballero

Gámez • Demichelis • Weligton • Eliseu

Camacho • Toulalan

Joaquín • Baptista • Isco

Cruz

Betting Prediction

Barcelona have won ten of the last eleven meetings between these teams, and I would expect them to add to that strong record here, particularly as this match is at the Camp Nou, and especially as they have an incentive to win, whereas Malaga’s players will already be thinking of the beach. Thus, I’m going to tip Barcelona to win by three goals to nil.

Final Scoreline Prediction:Barcelona 3 – 0 Malaga

Other Recommended Bets:Barcelona win, Over 2.5 Goals, Both Teams not to Score.