Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o scored the only goal of the game on 40 minutes, to maintain the Catalans' place at the top of the table with 72 points.

Barca coach Josep Guardiola started the game without Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Gnari Yaya Toure and Dani Alves, who are all rested for the UEFA Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.

However, the game witnessed the return of midfielder Andres Iniesta, who started for the first time after coming back from an injury that kept him out for three weeks.

The Blaugrana are now nine points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who meet Malaga later on Saturday.