Barcelona Edges Malaga by a Solitary Adriano Goal.

Barcelona defender Adriano scored the only goal of the encounter between defending La Liga champions Barcelona and Malaga at the La Rosaleda.

Adriano Celebrates With Teammates After Getting the Match Winner.
Adriano Celebrates With Teammates After Getting the Match Winner.

Coach Gerrardo Martino’s side were without the injured Lionel Messi, due to a thigh injury, and could also miss Wednesday’s Spanish Super Cup return leg tie against Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou.

The Brazilian struck in the 44th minute as Malaga goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero watched the 28-year-old’s effort squirm under his body into an empty net.

Fabrice Olinga hit the woodwork for the home side and Barcelona goalkeeper saved from Sebastian Fernandez.

Second-half substitute Neymar almost doubled the lead for the Baulgranas with a free-kick.

“We struggled in the last few minutes but we have just begun a season with some changes and still have room to improve,” Barcelona midfielder, Cesc Fabregas said.

Atletico Madrid also made it two wins from two games after they comfortably thrashed Rayo Vallecano 5-0 on Sunday.

Raul Garcia opened and finished scoring for the Los Rojiblancos, while Diego Costa, Arda Turan and Tiago also found the net for Diego Simeone’s team.

Levante recorded a goalless draw at home against Sevilla.

Fabregas led Barca’s attack against Ben Schuster’s team in the 15th minute. Malaga’s obvious scoring opportunity came two minutes to the half-hour mark when Valdes blocked a Vitorino Artunes’ free-kick.

Goalkeeper Caballero saved Alexis Sanchez’s point blank header from a cross by Fabregas in the 37th minute before Adriano surprised the Malaga keeper with a blistering left-footed effort from outside the area, curling the ball so Caballero couldn’t get enough to keep it out.

Neymar replaced Pedro in the 63rd minute and immediately showed his speed and dribbling skills, breaking down defenders one on one.