Barcelona, Oct 30: A second-half goal from Rafinha gave FC Barcelona a tougher than expected win at home against bottom of the table Granada in the Spanish football league.

Following a first half in which the biggest highlight was a mass protest against Spanish Football League President Javier Tebas on Saturday night, Rafinha's overhead kick three minutes after the break was all that separated the two sides and enough to move Barcelona into the second spot.

Real Madrid, with 24 points, remain top of the table after a slightly flattering 4-1 win away over Alaves. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for the Madrid giants.

Kevin Gameiro and Yannick Carrasco were the heroes as Atletico Madrid defeated Malaga 4-2 in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

Sevilla, who last week defeated Atletico 1-0 to move second in the table, were unable to win away from home against a Sporting Gijon side that has not won in its last 7 games.

Things started well for Sevilla when Luciano Vietto put them ahead following a long clearance in the fourth minute, but Moi Gomez's 19th minute volley levelled the score and despite chances for both sides, neither was able to claim a winner.

IANS