We have live text commentary to follow on Barcelona's clash with Malaga in this evening's late La Liga encounter.

Messi hoists a shot over the bar after a penetrative run through the defence.

The tempo has dropped and a few stoppages are breaking up the play.

Villa needs treatment but is going to be okay to continue.

Demichelis goes into the book for a kick on Villa from behind. The Spain striker looks in some pain.

Malaga manage an effort as Martin Demichelis comes up for a free-kick and heads well over the top.

Barca had a fully fit squad to choose from so they'll hope Alves' injury isn't too serious.

It's a hamstring pull for Alves so he'll be replaced by Adriano. No messing around from Guardiola there as the Brazilian full back quickly departs.

Alves has gone down with an injury, presumably he hurt himself trying to reach that overhit pass.

Xavi's pass is too long for Alves - it's game over already and a case of damage limitation for the visitors.

Messi loses out on the edge of the box as Malaga appealed for a foul when Ignacio Camacho was felled by Xavi.

Pedro is flagged offside to bring some respite to the beleaguered Malaga defence.

Barca do look irresistible but Asenjo, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid, may feel he could have made it a little harder for Villa.

Sergio Busquets won a tackle which allowed Xavi to find Messi and the Argentinian's pass to Villa made it a simple finish for his strike partner.

GOAL! It's been coming and Messi slips in Villa who finishes through Asenjo's legs to double the lead. It's already a question of how many for Barca?

So nearly 2-0 as Villa arcs a stupendous shot against the woodwork which bounces off Asenjo and goes to safety. Messi almost gets in on goal seconds afterwards.

Pedro collects a lovely pass from Messi and cuts in to force a diving save out of Asenjo.

Baptista goes down in the box but there's no question of a penalty.

Malaga don't help their cause by gifting the ball to Iniesta, he plays a one-two with Lionel Messi but runs the ball out of play.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are still getting everybody behind the ball but Barca continue to probe away - even if a David Villa cross comes to nothing.

Barcelona have been so quick to get into their stride that you fear for Malaga tonight. Everything clicks into gear so smoothly for the men in red and blue.

The ball flies past Victor Valdes as he makes an unconvincing dive but there's nobody in the middle to profit for Malaga.