Barcelona: Barcelona edged out Valencia 1-0 thanks to Adriano's first-half screamer to remain perfect after three games and lead the standings on Sunday.
Barcelona had the chance to decide the game after Adriano's goal, but Cesc Fabregas missed two clear chances and the hosts struggled to protect their slimmest of leads in the final minutes.
One of the few bright spots for Barcelona was former Arsenal player Alex Song, who fit in seamlessly with his new team, not erring in passes and providing a defensive presence in midfield.
Barcelona started well with Lionel Messi forcing goalkeeper Diego Alves into a diving parry to keep his early header out.
But Diego Alves could do nothing to stop Adriano 22 minutes in. The Brazilian left back took a short pass from a corner, used one touch to gather momentum, and rocketed a right-footed shot from outside the area past the outstretched goalkeeper.
Fabregas wasted two excellent opportunities to double the lead on either side of halftime. Messi drew the defense in and laid off for the unmarked Fabregas to send his chip shot floating by the upright. Then, Fabregas fired high after Alexis Sanchez had found him inside the box.
Valencia, which had been limited to a miss by Roberto Soldado in the first 45 minutes, provoked nerves at Camp Nou after the restart as it started to pepper Barcelona's area.
Barcelona assistant Jordi Roura, on the sideline with coach Tito Vilanova serving the first of a two-game ban for arguing with the referee, sent on Andres Iniesta, the recently crowned UEFA Best Player in Europe, for Fabregas in the 64th.
Barcelona, however, stalled in attack, apparently either tired or affected by the loss to Madrid on Wednesday. Valencia defender Victor Ruiz came inches away from scoring the equalizer when his header just missed in the 90th.
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