Lionel Messi took up where he left off last season as the Argentinian scored twice to help Barcelona and the new coach, Tito Vilanova, to a 5-1 home win over Real Sociedad in their La Liga opener.
Carles Puyol, Pedro and David Villa, who came on for his first competitive action since breaking his leg last December, also scored to give Barça an immediate advantage over their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who were held 1-1 at home by Valencia.
"It was a good win but the best news of all is the return of 'El Guaje' [Villa], we have missed him," the Barça midfielder Xavi told Spanish television.
The champions had earlier dominated at the Bernabeu but were frustrated by a new-look Valencia and some outstanding saves from the goalkeeper Diego Alves.
The World Player of the Year Messi scored a league record 50 goals last season and settled Barça with quick strikes to give them a 3-1 lead inside 15 minutes at the Nou Camp on Sunday night.
Pedro volleyed in a fourth just before the break but the biggest cheer was reserved for Villa when he was brought on in the second half and then stroked home the fifth goal near the end.
Carles Puyol, Pedro and David Villa, who came on for his first competitive action since breaking his leg last December, also scored to give Barça an immediate advantage over their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who were held 1-1 at home by Valencia.
"It was a good win but the best news of all is the return of 'El Guaje' [Villa], we have missed him," the Barça midfielder Xavi told Spanish television.
The champions had earlier dominated at the Bernabeu but were frustrated by a new-look Valencia and some outstanding saves from the goalkeeper Diego Alves.
The World Player of the Year Messi scored a league record 50 goals last season and settled Barça with quick strikes to give them a 3-1 lead inside 15 minutes at the Nou Camp on Sunday night.
Pedro volleyed in a fourth just before the break but the biggest cheer was reserved for Villa when he was brought on in the second half and then stroked home the fifth goal near the end.
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