Messi saves Setien’s league debut with Barca

The Spanish football champions FC Barcelona successfully defended their lead in La Liga in their first match under coach Quique Setién.

In the comeback of national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen after knee problems, however, the Catalans struggled to win 1-0 (0-0) against FC Granada.

World footballer Lionel Messi (76th) saved Barcelona in a one-sided game after preparatory work by former Munich and Leverkusen player Arturo Vidal.

The guests barely took part in the game and could no longer withstand the constant pressure of the home side against German Sanchez (70.) shortly after yellow-red.

The 61-year-old Setién was signed on Monday to succeed Ernesto Valverde.

Barca is still in the standings only because of a better goal difference ahead of record champions and arch-rivals Real Madrid.