Madrid, Nov 24 (IANS) FC Barcelona overcame an injury crisis to enjoy a comfortable 4-0 win at home to Granada.
The BBVA Primera Liga leaders got on their way with two first half penalties, while Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez wrapped up the points in the second half of what was far from a classic performance, but more than enough to defeat a disappointing rival, Xinhua reported.
Barcelona kicked off with several key players, including Victor Valdes, Xavi Hernandez, Dani Alves and Leo Messi out through injury and coach Tata Martinez included Alexis Sanchez, Neymar and Pedro Rodriguez in his side while Marc Bartra, recently capped by Spain, was also included in the heart of the Barca defence.
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Granada turned up in the Camp Nou with a clear idea of defending, although Barca were looking to seal the result as early as possible with Alexis Sanchez getting a shot in as early as the first minute.
Barca were angry with referee Mateu Lahoz two minutes later as he pulled play back for a Barca free kick when Andres Iniesta was clear though on goal. Neymar’s free kick was deflected away to safety.
The 4:00 p.m. kick off meant there was a lack of atmosphere in the Camp Nou and Barca looked slightly lacking conviction on the pitch, although Alexis almost scored with a flicked header following a Neymar cross.
The home side took the lead in the twentith minute after a clumsy challenge on Cesc Fabrigas saw Mateu award a clear penalty and Iniesta kept his calm to send Granada keeper Roberto the wrong way from the spot.
Granada’s only change of the half came three minutes later as Piti unleashed a thumping left foot shot which rattled the crossbar from 25 yards out, but the game then resumed its pattern of home possession and a succession of half chances.
Barca were awarded another penalty with 5 minutes to the break when Iniesta was clumsily bundled over on the edge of the area.
This time Cesc was in charge of taking the penalty and he dispatched it with ease to double his side’s advantage.
It should have been 3-0 just four minutes after the break, but Pedro side- footed over a virtually open goal when it looked easier to score following good work by Martin Montoya, but otherwise the game progressed without a great deal of excitement as Barca seemed content to try and control events, while El Arabi worked hard for Granada in attack.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men with 66 minutes gone as Manuel Iturra was shown his second yellow card of the game for a rash challenge on Pedro.
Alexis added a third with 19 minutes remaining, literally seconds after Pinto made his first save of the game to deny Nyom, who had advanced unchallenged to the edge of the six yard box. Pinto blocked the full back’s shot, the ball fell to Neymar, who advanced into space and set up Alexis to score with a smart chip.
All that was left after that was for Barcelona youngster Adama Traore to celebrate his debut as a late substitute and for Pedro to score the fourth of the game after being set up by Cesc in the 89th minute.
