Barca draw with Malaga 0-0 Away... Once again, Riquelme and Saviola on the bench to start...come in during the second half... From Soccernet.com Málaga 0-0 Barcelona: FT Report PA MALAGA, January 11 (Primera Liga) - Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal`s improvised defence continued to perform tonight but that is unlikely to appease the Nou Camp faithful after a lacklustre performance against Malaga. The Catalans were deprived of Fernando Navarro, Phillipe Christanval, Patrik Andersson and Frank de Boer through injury and suspension. And, with Michael Reiziger unavailable as he looks to put the finishing touches on a move to Manchester City, Van Gaal's resources were stretched. To make matters worse Gerard, who had impressed in the backline against Recreativo Huelva last week, limped off after just 13 minutes. But, with Carles Puyol dependable as ever alongside Oleguer and Gabri, Barca kept Malaga at bay. But the Catalans' ambitions are set a good deal higher than that and today's result leaves them 14 points off the league leadership so expect more brickbats aimed at Van Gaal over the coming days. It was a game of very few noteworthy chances. Malaga dominated for long periods of the first half but, despite Barcelona playing only one recognised defender, they could not create much in front of goal. Barcelona did enjoy some possession, but even on the counter-attack looked toothless, while both Juan Roman Riquelme and Javier Saviola began on the bench. The decision not to start the two Argentinians - although both came on in the second half - is likely to prove another stick with which Van Gaal is beaten. The Dutchman's charges got forward more after the break but openings remained at a premium as the game was broken up by niggly fouls. Barca almost made an early breakthrough in the second minute when Xavi took a free kick for Barcelona on the edge of the Malaga area, whipping it in to the back post. Thiago Motta had a free header but could only direct the ball over. The best chance of the half fell to Malaga two minutes later after Dario Silva flicked the ball on for Julio Dely Valdes. The makeshift Barcelona defence stood off him, allowing him to shoot low right-footed from the edge of the area. Roberto Bonano was beaten, but the ball curled away from the left-hand post. Malaga had strong claims for a penalty turned down on the half-hour mark after winning a free kick on the left. Kiki Musampa crossed the ball towards Fernanado Sanz who was held back by Motta in the box. It looked a clear penalty, but the referee waved play on. The crowd appeared to drift into a stupor as the game wore on although they were briefly roused in the 75th minute when a through-ball by Riquelme found Patrick Kluivert racing into the area down the right. The Holland international slid in, beating Pedro Contreras to the ball and knocking it goalwards. But Mikel Roteta covered back and cleared the danger. Motta fired just wide three minutes later but Barca lacked a cutting edge and, on this form will do well to qualify for the UEFA Cup. The Champions League looks a distant prospect while the league title is surely next season's dream.