Relief for Barcelona as Messi ensures winning start for Setien

Madrid, Jan 19, 2020 (AFP) - Quique Setien may want a different Barcelona but he needed the same old Lionel Messi on Sunday as the Argentinian gave his new coach a winning start against Granada.

Messi's strike in the 76th minute at Camp Nou proved the only goal of a cagey contest and prevented the much-anticipated launch of Setien's new era becoming something of a damp squib.

Victory also sends Barca back to the top of La Liga on goal difference, after Real Madrid had briefly claimed first place following their win over Sevilla on Saturday.