Messi: The only one that's always there Barcelona Scored winner against Granada

Barcelona had a new coach in the dugout against Granada, but the match was decided by the same person as always.

Lionel Messi made the match-winning contribution when he passed in the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.

The Argentine's role was evidently different in Quique Setien's new system as he often occupied a false nine position, with Ansu Fati and Antoine Griezmann out wide.

The switch to three at the back also allowed Barcelona to have more bodies in midfield and therefore more men willing to do Messi's work in the opposition's half.

The midfielders pressed higher up the pitch and Messi benefitted from it, scoring his goal after Riqui Puig had won possession off Granada.

Passes and possession

Barcelona recorded their third highest passing tally (921 completed) against Granada since Opta began recording passing statistics in the 2008/09 campaign - Pep Guardiola's first as Blaugrana boss.

The hosts also had 82.6 percent possession, their eighth highest percentage since Opta records began.