Half-Time Report: Ivan Rakitic puts Barcelona ahead at the break

Ivan Rakitic's goal has given Barcelona a 1-0 half-time lead against Granada at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes in La Liga this afternoon.

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In a fast opening to the game, the hosts looked to use their pace against Luis Enrique's men, with Manuel Iturra forcing a good interception from Javier Mascherano on the counter.

The game's first real chance did not come until the 24th minute as Luis Suarez teed up Xavi on the edge of the box, only for Granada keeper Oier Olazabal to tip the midfielder's shot over the bar.

Despite a tepid start to the match, Barca took the lead after 25th minutes after some poor defending from Juan Cala presented Rakitic with a chance that he could not pass up.

The Catalan giants were almost two in front in the 37th minute when Rakitic found Lionel Messi, but the Argentine fired over the bar despite a sublime first touch to manufacture space for his shot.

The home fans were furious just a few minutes later as they thought that their side were denied a clear penalty, with Lass Bangoura going down under the pressure of Marc Bartra's challenge.