Granada: Karnezis; Nyom, Ilori, Murillo (Mainz 90’), Foulquier; Fran Rico, Iturra, Recio; Piti (Coeff 72’), El-Arabi, Brahimi (Christian Bravo 64’). 4-3-3.
Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Busquets (Alexis 73‘), Mascherano, Adriano (Jordi Alba 66’); Fàbregas, Alex Song, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Neymar. 4-3-3.
Goals:
1-0. 16. Brahimi. Ran on to Fran Rico pass and fired shot wide of Pinto.
Yellow cards: Neymar 44’, Messi 64’, Busquets 66’.
Barcelona’s season is falling apart, a 1-0 defeat at Granada on Saturday evening leaving them adrift of leaders Atlético Madrid and down in third spot in the table at the end of the day. After their midweek elimination from the Champions League, Tata Martino’s side desperately needed a win in Andalusia, and Montoya headed an early chance straight at keeper Karnezis, who was only making his second league appearance of the season. However Brahimi gave the locals the lead on the quarter hour mark from a Fran Rico assist, and despite a continuous attack after that, the visitors were unable to find a way past a packed defence, Neymar in particular heading over the top and then coming up against Karnezis again before the break. Pinto still had to keep out El-Arabi and Brahimi either side of half time, but the local keeper made saves after the restart from Fábregas, Messi, Busquets, Pedro and others to put in a claim for a more regular place in the line-up. No less than 24 shots in all by Barça, but no goals, and their season now rests on Wednesday night’s cup final against Real Madrid. An unexpected win for the Andalusians though, and they move a step closer to safety as a result.