Barça return to winning ways

BARCELONA — Champions Barcelona returned to winning ways in the Spanish Primera Division, but had to grind out a 1-0 win away to nine-man Granada.

Although it was a less than emphatic success, Barca did get the job done against their struggling hosts as captain Xavi’s first-half free-kick was enough to earn them the victory.

It was a tough night for Pep Guardiola’s side, however, and could have been even harder had Granada not lost striker Jaime Romero in the 53rd minute and Daniel Benitez in added time.

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