Xavi Hernandez's sixth minute strike was cancelled out by Duda's equalizer on 13 minutes, before Lionel Messi restored Barca's league six minutes later.

Xavi scored his personal second on 52 minutes and an own goal from Robson Weligton sealed the big win for the visitors.

In a rainy evening in Andalusia, Xavi put Barcelona ahead with a nicely curled free kick past the Malaga wall and keeper.

However, the home side went level when Duda picked up the lose ball after Victor Valdes' save with a fierce shot from outside the box.

Lionel Messi took advantage of Malaga's defense poor clearance inside the box by firing a low shot from a tight angle on the right flank.

Barcelona's third came from a wonderfully crafted move. Yaya Toure picked up Samuel Eto'o in the box, the Cameroonian headed down for Xavi who fired a left-footed volley into the net.

On 81 minutes, Daniel Alves' free kick from 40 yards out was deflected into the Malaga net by Weligton.

The big win secures the table summit for Barcelona with 21 points and one game more than second place Valencia who will Racing Santander on Sunday.