Malaysia vs. Barcelona: 5 Things We Learned

Barcelona's tour of Asia concluded with a 3-1 victory over Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening.

Lionel Messi missed the game as a precaution and it was his replacement, Cesc Fabregas, who gave Barcelona the lead in the first half. Jordi Alba was released by Neymar and his cross was headed home by the former Arsenal midfielder.

Amri Yahyah capitalized on some hesitant defending to level the scores in the 40th minute, before Neymar instantly put Barca back in front. The Brazilian, passed to by Cesc, turned brilliantly before comfortably slotting home.

Amid mass second half substitutions, Gerard Pique was able to fire in Barcelona's third—Fabregas once again the provider.

Here are five things we learned from the match.

Fab's Form Continues

Cesc Fabregas did his bit off the pitch on Thursday, confirming that he was committed to Barcelona despite Manchester United's interest, via The Telegraph.

And on Saturday night, not for the first time this preseason, he did his bit on the pitch.

With Lionel Messi missing the match for precautionary reasons, Cesc was deployed in the fake nine role in the middle of Neymar and Alexis Sanchez.

The 26-year-old headed Barcelona in front and then proceeded to play his part in both of his side's other goals—his deft pass for Gerard Pique's goal was particularly good.

Unfortunately, he hobbled off towards the end, @barcastuff confirming that he sprained his ankle on Twitter. Further tests will now reveal whether he'll be OK for next weekend's La Liga opener against Levante.

Defensive Frailities Remain

Ctrl C, Ctrl V.

Once again Barcelona conceded a goal when they really shouldn't have.

Caught short on their right flank, they only managed to half clear a cross straight to Amri Yahyah and the Malaysian smashed past Victor Valdes from the edge of the box.

Admittedly, it's difficult to remain disciplined when your side is pouring forward attacking, but Barca have been punished for defensive naivety too often recently.

Even against inferior opposition, two clean-sheets against Thailand and Malaysia would have been a nice way to go into the season.

Instead they conceded in both matches, giving Levane some hope ahead of next weekend.

The Side for Levante?

The last game of preseason is often a chance for managers to field their preferred XI ahead of the new campaign.

Gerardo Martino may not have been able to do that, with Messi sidelined, but the rest of his side, if predictable, could provide the answers to next weeks team to face Levante.

The back five and midfield three will more than likely remain the same, with Neymar looking set to make his league debut on the left of Barca's front three.

Messi will then presumably start centrally, with Alexis Sanchez seeming likely to get the nod on the right ahead of Pedro Rodriguez, who, like Messi, also sat out the 3-1 win over Malaysia.

Neymar Ready to Go?

One sharp turn and cool finish just before the break will be the lasting impression of Neymar's performance against Malaysia.

Fed by Cesc Fabregas, the Brazilian made the rest look too easy, easing any fears which may have arisen due to his recent contraction of anemia.

It's a good sign for Gerardo Martino, who took the option to withdrawn Barca's summer signing at half time.

The 21-year-old has been under constant scrutiny during preseason, as people wondered when his first start, his first goal and his first link up with Lionel Messi would come.

With that now out the way, he can look forward to doing it at a competitive level when La Liga gets under way next week.

Lacking Depth Down the Middle?

It's one of football's most transparent secrets that Barcelona could benefit from a new central defender, but are they lacking depth in general?

With Carles Puyol still recovering, Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano remain the club's choice pairing in front of Victor Valdes.

The back-up options to them seem to be Marc Bartra and 18-year-old Frank Bagnack, who will presumably head back to the B team now.

Their midfield trio is as good as midfield trios come though. Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have won everything together, and they're ably supported by Cesc Fabregas.

Beyond them though, are Barca's other options of the caliber required to compete both domestically and, in Europe, should Tata Martino's squad suffer an extreme bout of injuries?

Alex Song has not been a roaring success, while Jonathan Dos Santos and Sergi Roberto are both young, developing players, who are unlikely to benefit from being thrown in at the deep end to soon in their careers.