Despite the return of Neymar to the starting line up to complete Barcelona's celebrated front three, it was an unexpected source who delivered the goal.
After waiting for almost one year for his debut the Belgian who has been one of the team's best players since the start of the season broke Malaga s resistance with a fierce shot after the ball rebounded into his path.
The manner of his celebration which was muted to say the least showed even the Belgian was surprised to be the one to score the winner.
The Catalans had found it difficult to break down a stoburn Malaga side before the former Arsenal captain broke the deadlock after Malaga's goalkeeper tried to divert a Suarez cross to safety. It however fell at the feet of the defender, who didn't hesitate to rifle into the empty net.
The Belgian who signed from Arsenal last summer, dealt with a string of injuries last season which meant he had to wait until the final game of the league campaign to make his Barcelona debut.
His has however started the opening two matches of the season thanks to Gerard Pique's absence through suspension.
Barcelona went into the game with a score to settle after Malaga took four points off the European Champions last season, managing only a 0-0 at La Rosaleda before going down to a 1-0 home loss.
Just like last season Malaga's goalkeeper and his defence stood tall and denied Barcelona over and over. At one stage a draw seemed the only possible result with the likes of Neymar, Messi Suarez and Iniesta finding the task of breaking down Malaga difficult.
Javier Mascherano also saw a header hit the cross bar – the sixth time in five competitive matches this season that Barcelona have hit the woodwork. However, Vermaelen popped up in the 73rd minute to help Barcelona to their second victory of the season.
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