Malaga vs. Barcelona: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Barcelona are flying high in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, but they have some serious work to do to catch up to arch rival Real Madrid in the race to win La Liga. That campaign continues on Sunday, when the Blaugrana travel to La Rosaleda to take on Malaga.

Lionel Messi and company are undefeated in their last 12 matches, including a 2-1 triumph over Los Blancos in El Clasico on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Los Boquerones are winless in their last six outings, since defeating the same Getafe squad that was the last to defeat Barca.

Where: La Rosaleda, Malaga, Spain

When: Sunday, January 22nd at 12:00 p.m. EST

Watch: Gol TV, Canal+ Liga/HD, ESPN Latin America South, ESPN Latin America Andina, ESPN Caribbean, ESPN2 Australia, TEN Action+, Arena Sport 3, Sport+, Sport TV3

Player to Watch for Malaga: Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy knows a thing or two about playing against Barcelona. The Dutch striker played against the Blaugrana in El Clasico between 2006 and 2010 as a member of Real Madrid, scoring four goals in four career appearances against the Catalonian kings. At 35, Ruud is hardly the world-class player he once was, though whatever he can bring to the table against Barca would be a plus for Los Boquerones.

Player to Watch for Barcelona: Lionel Messi

I know, I know. Xavi is tremendous, as is Andres Iniesta, as is Cesc Fabregas, as is Alexis Sanchez...

But Lionel Messi is well on his way to establishing himself as perhaps the greatest footballer of all time. The three-time defending Ballon d'Or recipient has notched an astounding 33 goals and 20 assists in 31 appearances for the Blaugrana this season. If you had to devote your eyesight to one player on the planet today, Messi would more than likely be the choice.

What They're Saying

Malaga have been active on the transfer market this month. According to ESPN Soccernet, Los Boquerones have signed Cameroonian goalkeeper Carlos Kameni from La Liga combatant Espanyol. The 27-year-old signed for Malaga on a two-and-a-half-year deal after being released by Los Periquitos.

This, despite Malaga having just penned starting 'keeper Willy Caballero to a deal that will keep him in Andalusia through the 2015-16 season.

Barcelona haven't been shy to throw around money in January either, though they've reserved it for their own players. The Blaugrana rewarded Eric Abidal to a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Camp Nou through the 2012-13 season.

The France international has been an unsung hero amidst Barca's most recent period of dominance in Spain and across Europe, a point the defender got across quite well with the match winner against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Prediction: Barcelona 2, Malaga 0

Malaga can spend all they want, but they'll be hard-pressed to catch up to Barcelona anytime soon. That includes Sunday's match, during which Barca figure to continue their pursuit of Los Blancos in the league table with another convincing victory.

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