La Liga: Adriano scores as Barcelona maintain winning start

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Adriano celebrates after scoring for Barcelona against Malaga

A goal by defender Adriano maintained Barcelona's 100% winning start as the reigning Spanish champions secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Malaga.

The Brazilian struck in the 44th minute as Malaga keeper Wilfredo Caballero allowed the 28-year-old's attempt to squirm under his body.

Fabrice Olinga hit the post for Malaga and Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes saved from Sebastian Fernandez.

Substitute Neymar went close to doubling Barca's lead with a free-kick.

Barcelona were without injured forward Lionel Messi, who was nursing a bruised thigh, but now have six points from their first two league games without conceding a goal.

"In the last five minutes we struggled but sometimes you have to do that," said midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

"It was a hard-fought and important victory."

Atletico Madrid also made it two wins from two games after an easy 5-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

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

Levante responded to a 7-0 thrashing at Barcelona in their previous outing by securing a point after holding Sevilla at home to a goalless draw.

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