Barcelona vs. Malaysia XI: Score and Post-Match Reaction

Barcelona received goals from three different players as they cruised to a 3-1 friendly victory over Malaysia to close out the preseason. Lionel Messi didn't play due to a thigh injury, but other players picked up the slack as Barca head into the new campaign on a high note.

After a sluggish start, Barca were finally able to start generating some chances in the 10th minute. Neymar used some nifty moves to get free twice in dangerous areas, but his final touch eluded him both times, a sign of some remaining preseason rust.

The match continued to move at a slow pace, which played right into Malaysia's hands. They were able to keep Barcelona from running away with the match from the outset.

Malaysia came within inches of getting on the scoreboard first in the 20th minute. Some unusually weak defending from the La Liga champions allowed Norshahrul Idlan Talaha to break free, but Victor Valdes was able to get just enough of a touch to have the shot strike the post.

That close call seemed to awaken Barcelona. They started to push the pace, which put a lot more pressure on the suspect Malaysian back line.

Neymar remained the focal point of the attack. He once again used some quick footwork to break free in the box just inside the half-hour mark. The dynamic forward fired over the net, but it was clear Barca were closing in on a breakthrough.

Sure enough, Cesc Fabregas got them on the board in the 33rd minute. Jordi Alba broke free on the left side and delivered a pinpoint cross to the midfielder, who calmly headed the ball past sprawling Malaysian goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi.

After taking the lead, however, Barcelona's level of play dipped. The match certainly had the intensity of a preseason friendly, as the normally dominant club often lacked the killer instinct it usually shows during the campaign.

This time, Malaysia were able to take advantage. A clearance attempt by Alba fell right into the path of Amri Yahyah, who unleashed a laser to beat Valdes to level the match with five minutes left in the opening half.

Not wanting to enter halftime tied, Barcelona responded almost immediately. Fabregas found Neymar, who took a brilliant first touch and provided a far better finishing touch, easily sliding the ball to the near post.

Barca carried the 2-1 lead into the locker room.

It was clear the halftime focus was playing more sound defensively. Barcelona did a lot better early in the second half to make the quick play to thwart any Malaysian counterattacks and get the flow of play moving back in the other direction.

They stretched the lead to 3-1 in the 75th minute when Gerard Pique joined the attack and found a soft spot in the defense. Fabregas found him with a well-timed pass, and the defender blasted the shot into the net to put the match out of reach.

Jonathan dos Santos almost made it a three-goal edge a few minutes later, but his effort was directed right at the keeper. A more clinical finish was needed even though defenders were slow to react.

From there, Barcelona slowed the pace and watched the clock tick toward 90. The victory was secure, and there was no reason to risk injury by playing overly aggressive late in the last preseason friendly.

What's Next?

With preseason play complete, Barcelona turn their attention to matches that actually count. The Blaugrana open the new La Liga campaign with a clash against Levante next Sunday.

Malaysia return to normal international action next month when they travel to Beijing to take on China. Then Asian Cup qualifying resumes later in the year.