Madrid, Jan 24 (IANS/EFE): Barcelona earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Malaga riding on Lionel Messi's second-half goal and the victory has put them back on top of the La Liga standings, a media report said.

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez took advantage of a breakdown in Malaga's defence during the match on Satuday to drive down the right side of the area and scoot a ball along the goal line that Munir El Haddadi tapped in at point-blank range.

The Boquerones deserved the equalizer and got it when they executed a series of short passes after an errant pass by defender Javier Mascherano, eventually setting up Venezuelan midfielder Juanpi for a goal in the 31st minute.

Barcelona re-took the lead early in the second half when Messi received a cross from Adriano and booted it out of the air past net minder Carlos Kameni in the 51st minute, although afterward the visitors were still unable to stamp their authority on the contest.