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First Division - Day 10

Granada 0 - Barcelona 1

Granada: Roberto; Nyom, Iñigo López, Mainz, Siqueira; Fran Rico (Mollo 79'), Mikel Rico; Abel Gómez, Jaime Romero, Dani Benítez; Uche (Geijo 63'). 4-2-3-1.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Abidal, Maxwell; Xavi (Keita 83'), Busquets, Cesc Fàbregas (Iniesta 71'); Pedro (David Villa 55'), Messi, Isaac Cuenca. 4-3-3.

Goals:
0-1. 33. Xavi. Curled free kick over defensive wall inside near post.

Yellow cards: Uche 02', Dani Alves 26', Jaime 35', 52', Fran Rico 35', Busquets 61', Dani Benítez 62', 91', Cuenca 65', Nyom 86', Keita 89' / red cards: Jaime 52', Dani Benítez 91'.

Barcelona kicked off the midweek round of games with a 0-1 victory at Granada on Tuesday evening, a result which takes them to top spot in the table pending the rest of the midweek matches. Once again though Guardiola's side had problems scoring against an ultra-defensive line up, and the only goal came when Xavi beat Roberto with a well struck free kick with just over half an hour on the clock. Up to that point Messi, Pedro, Abidal and young debutant Isaac Cuenca had all created work for Roberto in the local goal, whereas Víctor Valdés was a mere spectator at the other end. Eight minutes after the restart the locals were left with ten men when Jaime Romero picked up a second booking, but even then Barça couldn't score, Mainz clearing a shot from Messi off the line with Roberto beaten, and Cuenca coming up against the keeper once again. With the game in injury time Dani Benítez also got himself sent off after picking up a petulant second yellow card, but Barça still played safe to ensure the three points. After all, that's what counts in the end.