An awesome display (3-0)

Six goals in two matches. FC Barcelona picked up their second win of the campaign with a 3-0 triumph over Osasuna. Samuel Etoo starred in an emphatic victory as the visitors were swept aside by a rampant Barca side in true champions form.

Barca dominated from the off in a one-sided first half. The pace and power of Eto'o, coupled with the cunning and finesse of Ronaldinho and Messi effectively killed the game off early on. With Thuram giving a near-perfect performance, the absent Puyol wasn't missed and Frank Rijkaard's team will be brimming with confidence ahead of Tuesday's clash with Levski Sofia.

Puyol rested

Frank Rijkaard surprised everyone by resting captain Carles Puyol and installing Lilian Thuram at the heart of the defence. With the equally formidable Rafa Marquez alongside him, the Frenchman had a fantastic debut and, with Edmílson providing midfield steel in front of the back four, Barca were rarely troubled defensively. Xavi also made his first start of the season having been a substitute at the Balaídos.

Off to a flyer

Barca got off to the perfect start. With barely 90 seconds on the clock, Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring, rounding off a stunning team goal. Ronaldinho combined well with Deco inside the penalty area before presenting the ball on a plate to the Cameroonian striker who slotted home passed Ricardo. The dummy run of Sylvinho was crucial in helping pull the defence apart and the Brazilian full-back was at his marauding best in the first half. Eto'o on fire 20 minutes in and Frank Rijkaard's side moved up a gear once again. In the 21st minute, Samuel Eto'o almost finished a fine move from Leo Messi and six minutes later he was on hand to bag his and Barça's second of the night. Deco's arrowed pass forced the error which the Barca number 9 was quickest to react to and his lofted finish over the stranded Ricardo was sublime.

The African striker wasn't finished there. Eto'o's work rate was phenomenal and in the 37th minute, goalscorer turned provider as he set up Leo Messi, who coolly nutmegged the goalkeeper to send the crowd into ecstasy. All 63,000 spectators rose to applaud the team as they walked off for half-time.

Messi hits the post

The second half was a lesson in control by FC Barcelona. With the game won, Barca kept Osasuna at arms length whilst still creating some magical football of their own. If the first half was all about Samuel Eto'o, the second was about new boy, Lilian Thuram. The French centre-back was a rock at the heart of the defence and, with Zambrotta and Marquez looking equally solid, the defensive performance was highly encouraging for the new season.

The best chance of the second half came in the 60th minute. Argentine wonderkid, Leo Messi, played a neat one-two with Xavi Hernández before racing into the area. As Ricardo bared down on him, the young winger slid the ball past him only for the right post to deny what would have been a delightful goal.

Changes

In the closing stages, Frank Rijkaard made the most of the opportunity to rest some tired legs and give some important minutes to other players. With one eye on the Sofia match, the Dutchman brought on Giuly and Iniesta for Deco and Ronaldinho as well as giving Oleguer a run out for Zambrotta later on.

The goals

1-0, Eto'o, min. 1
2-0, Eto'o, min. 27
3-0, Messi, min. 37