Xavi keeps Barcelona on the level as Milan clubs struggle

 

Saad Noor
Monday 24 September 2012 06:08 EDT
Comments
Lionel Messi congratulates Xavi
Lionel Messi congratulates Xavi (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A spectacular 87th-minute goal from substitute Xavi ensured Barcelona continued their 100 per cent start in La Liga with a 2-0 win over Granada at the Nou Camp.

Just as it was beginning to look like the Catalans were on the verge of dropping their first points under new coach Tito Vilanova, Xavi struck from 20 yards before Borja Gómez turned a Lionel Messi cross into his own net to seal his side's fate in added time.

Hamburg put an end to Borussia Dortmund's 31-game undefeated streak in the Bundesliga, and, in turn earned their first win by beating the champions 3-2 at the Imtech Arena.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Eintracht Frankfurt continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a 2-1 win at Nuremberg and Bayern Munich ran out 2-0 winners with an impressive performance at Schalke courtesy of second-half goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller.

In France, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's two goals helped Paris Saint-Germain remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 as they recorded a 4-0 victory at Bastia.

In Italy, Fabio Quagliarella's brilliant scissor-kick made it four wins from four for Juventus in Serie A this season as they overcame a stubborn Chievo side 2-0, while Milan's poor start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat at Udinese. City rivals Internazionale are also struggling and lost 2-0 to bottom-side Siena at San Siro.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in