Barcelona started off claiming possession and attempting to control the game, with Malaga defending deep. Despite not having possession, the home side seemed to be quite comfortable, as the visitors struggled to get close to Kameni with dim performances from the 'MSN'.
Just before the break, just when Barcelona were all out looking for an opener, Malaga managed to counter well. Juankar provided a long ball for Sandro to run, and the former Barca man finished well past Ter Stegen.
Barcelona players surrounded the referee appealing for a non-existent offside, but the goal was allowed, and the game went to half time with the hosts in front.
The second half began the same as the first one ended, with Barca trying to get on the front foot, but unable to break down a solid Malaga defence. Passing was slow from Enrique's team, and Malaga looked more dangerous when in the attacking third.
Neymar sentenced the match when he unnecessarily got a second booking to take his team down to ten men. From then on, Barca created some chances but accomplished nothing.
As the fixture came to a close, Malaga began to believe, even having a goal wrongly disallowed. In one of Malaga's counterattacks Barcelona's title hopes were shattered. Fornals squared the ball across to Jony, who fired home to the home supporters' delight.
Luis Enrique's team have missed a fantastic opportunity that had offered itself to them after the Madrid derby draw.