Barcelona beat Sporting in the Camp Nou last night despite a quality defensive perfomance by the away side.
The action was far from entertaining as Barça set out in their first match without the injured Lionel Messi.
Sporting didn't mange to get a shot on target, and focused more on packing the midfield and sitting back.
Barça did break the deadlock however, in the second half, thanks to a goal from David Villa, against his former team.
In the first 9 minutes, Iniesta could of gave Barça the lead in a move similar to the goal he scored in the World Cup Final but his volley was saved.
Keita tried his luck from outside the box but his shot lacked any conviction and was easily turned away.
David Villa went close with a shot on his left foot shortly after, his attempt could only hit the side netting, he should of hit the target or found Bojan who was waiting in the box.
Villa, like all good strikers, kept pressing and was rewared in the 49th minute when Dani Alves played a neat ball through Sportings strong back line, which was met and taken with typical Villa style to put Barça ahead.
The home side kept up possession but couldn't find the end product to build on their one goal lead. Barca were forced into making long range shots for most of the game, which didn't pay off.
Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola was optimistic despite his team failing to shine.
"you can't always produce excellence. The team stuck together and we played at a high level". It was a victory built on hard work and the boss insisted: "we played at a high level. We lacked spark, but we kept together. They didn't have a single shot on target and that is an added plus for us. If we defend well, it's because we attack well and vice versa. The team stuck together and we didn't split into attack and defence. You have to take into account that the other team played too and they played very well".
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