Rafinha leads edgy Barcelona past Granada

Barcelona kept up with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the top of Liga, but will reflect on a lacklustre 1-0 win over bottom side Granada at Camp Nou.

With Spain’s top scorers meeting the worst defenders, goals were expected in this Liga clash, but Granada turned in a well-disciplined defensive display to keep Luis Enrique’s side goalless until half-time.

Rafinha found the breakthrough just three minutes into the second half, but it still didn’t break down the away team’s resolve. Luis Suarez passed up a number of opportunities in front of goal, with Guillermo Ochoa denying the Uruguayan striker more than once.

Granada posed no real threat on the counter attack, but must be praised for the way they sat deep and absorbed so much possession from the hosts. This was a strangely low key performance from Barcelona just days before they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League.

How will Barcelona’s midfield fare against Manchester City? With Andres Iniesta out and Sergio Busquets struggling through injury Barcelona’s midfield looked very difference against Granada and it will look different against Manchester City in the Champions League as well. While Rafinha played well the usual structure that Barca have in the middle of the pitch wasn’t there. Will that be good enough against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium?

Rafinha (Barcelona). Barcelona considered loaning out Rafinha during the summer. In the end they decided to keep him and they are reaping the reward for that call, with the Brazilian scoring five goals in six Liga appearances his season. He has been a welcome source of creativity and fishing instinct from midfield for Enrique and has become a first-team figure in recent weeks. Rafinha is improving with every game he plays.

Barcelona - Ter Stegen 5, Roberto 6, Mascherano 5, Umtiti 5, Digne 6, Rakitic 5, Denis 6, Rafinha 7, Messi 5, Neymar 5, Suarez 5. Subs - Gomes 6, Alcacer 5.

Granada - Ochoa 7, Cuenca 7, Vezo 7, Lomban 6, Saunier 6, Silva 7, Agbo 5, Toral 7, Carcela 6, Pereira 5, Kravets 5. Subs - Barral 7, Samper 5, Boga 5.

32’ SUAREZ WAS IN! For the first time this evening the striker gets in behind the Granada defence, but he slipped at the wrong time and was eventually crowded off the ball.

39’ SUAREZ SHOT IS SAVED! This time the striker takes the shot from distance and forces Ochoa into save. That might be the solution. They might have to be a bit more direct.

48’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Granada: Finally, there is a breakthrough! Neymar hits the post from close range and Rafinha spectacularly finds the back of the net with an overhead kick on the rebound.

67’ BIG CHANCE FOR NEYMAR! The Brazilian was found at the back post with a great cross, he takes the touch and shoots but Ochoa is on hand to make the save and keep it 1-0.

84’ SUAREZ SHOULD HAVE SCORED! How has he not found the back of the net? The cross was straight on to his head, but he directed his effort straight at Ochoa in goals.

90’ OPPORTUNITY FOR MESSI! Alcacer's pass set the Barcelona number 10 through on goal, but his finish was all off. He managed to loft the ball clean over the bar from close range.

Rafinha has scored five goals in six appearances for Barcelona in La Liga this season.

Granada kept their first clean sheet in a first half of a Liga away game this season.