Dream start for Vilanova as hapless Sociedad are no match for vibrant Barca

Barcelona’s start to their domestic campaign got off without a hitch as Tito Vilanova’s men were 5-1 victors at the Nou Camp this evening thanks to goals from Carlos Puyol, Lionel Messi (2), Pedro and David Villa. Leo Messi was as usual the focal point of the majority of Barca’s dangerous attacks and new boss Vilanova had many more positives to take away (other than the result) as both his returnees David Villa and Carlos Puyol who have recently recovered from their respective injuries, were able to put their names on the score sheet.

It took just four minutes for Barca to take the lead, albeit unconventionally as Carlos Puyol got his head on the end of a floated Xavi corner. Sociedad restored parity just a few moments later however after a dangerous ball allowed Sociedad attacker Castro to slip past Dani Alves and find the roof of the net with a timely finish.

The Basque minnows’ celebrations lasted barely two minutes however as yet again Barca took the initiative and usual suspect Messi was able to regain the lead for his side after a well taken poachers finish. From then on out it was a one team affair and another Messi tap-in, Pedro finish and an impressive link-up goal between Iniesta and Villa put the game beyond all doubt and completed Barca’s emphatic victory.

Rivals Madrid weren’t so clinical this evening however and succumbed to a 1-1 draw at home to Valencia meaning it is Barca who sit at the top of the La Liga table on the opening weekend of the new season.