Atletico Madrid defender Miranda (Photo: Reuters)
Barcelona dropped their first points of the La Liga season as their star-studded forward line misfired in a 0-0 draw away to Malaga on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi and Neymar have both shone in recent weeks as Barca won their first four games under new coach Luis Enrique but they failed to make an impression against Malaga with the Catalan side struggling with their link-up play.
Barca are still yet to concede a goal but that too came under threat in the second half as Malaga pressed forward and came closest to scoring from a Luis Alberto free-kick from a tight angle which keeper Claudio Bravo turned onto a post.
Barca top the standings on 13 points, ahead of Sevilla, who beat Real Sociedad 1-0, on goal difference.
A second-half Miranda header ended the resistance of determined Almeria as third-placed Atletico Madrid won 1-0 away from home.
Atletico, missing injured striker Mario Mandzukic, looked toothless in attack but they pressed forward more earnestly after the break and got their reward with Miranda heading home a Koke corner on the hour mark.
It was the Brazilian's third goal of the season and Diego Simeone's side once again capitalised on their strength in the air for an important win on the back of their Champions League defeat by Olympiakos and a weekend home draw with Celta Vigo in La Liga.
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