New arrivals Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo on Saturday struck their first goals for Barcelona in an impressive 5-0 rout of Real Betis Balompie in La Liga.
Earlier, Atletico Madrid were hammered 3-0 by Valencia at Mestalla with coach Diego Simeone labeling it the “weakest” performance during his time at the club.
Barcelona’s five-star display was inspired by Felix, who netted the opener, with further goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Raphinha and Cancelo.
Photo: AFP
The emphatic victory places the Catalans provisionally at the top of the table, a point clear of rivals Real Madrid who were to host Real Sociedad yesterday.
Barcelona played with a vibrancy they lacked at times last season, even as they lifted La Liga, warming up for their UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday against Royal Antwerp.
Barca manager Xavi handed Felix and compatriot Cancelo their first starts for the club, and they quickly impressed home fans and their coach.
“We’re talking about two players there are absolutely no doubts about in terms of individual quality,” Xavi told reporters. “The two bring something different that improves the team. Individual quality is what makes the difference.”
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