Leo Messi saves Setien’s first day

Madrid, January 20

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 by scoring in a 1-0 victory over Granada.

Messi's strike in the 76th minute decided a cagey contest at the Camp Nou 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. "I have seen many things from the team today that I want to see," said Setien.

Ronaldo puts Juve ahead

Milan: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Juventus beat Parma 2-1 yesterday to remain firmly on course for a record-extending ninth straight Serie A title.

Juventus moved four points above Inter Milan, which was held 1-1 at relegation-threatened Lecce earlier. Ronaldo's brace took his tally to 432 goals in Europe's top-5 leagues, one behind all-time record-holder Lionel Messi.

Elsewhere, Substitute Ante Rebic scored twice to help AC Milan win 3-2 against Udinese. — AFP