La Liga: Barca misses chance to go on top post surprise Malaga defeat

Barcelona missed the chance to edge past Real Madrid and go on top of the La Liga standings after suffering a surprise 0-2 defeat against Malaga at La Rosaleda Stadium on Saturday.

Barcelona, who are currently at the second spot, could have moved level on points with Real Madrid with a win following the capital side's earlier draw against Atletico Madrid.

However, a first-half strike from ex-Barcelona forward Sandro Ramirez in the 32nd minute of the game and a late effort from Jony Rodriguez ended their hopes.

And things went from bad to worse after the interval with a second booking for Neymar - his first red card in LaLiga - following a reckless foul on Diego Llorente near the corner flag, reports goal.com.

 

The result means Luis Enrique's side remain on 69 points, three behind Real Madrid who have a game in hand. Barcelona face their fierce rivals after next week's match against Real Sociedad.