FC Barcelona vs SD Huesca: 5 Takeaways from Barcelona’s demolition 

On Sunday, Barcelona played their first home game of the season, as they invited the newly promoted Huesca to Camp Nou. What followed was a breath-taking 90 minutes as the Catalan giants put 8 past a hapless Huesca.

With the victory, Barca now move to the top of the table, with 3 wins out of 3, leading Real Madrid on goal difference.

Here are 5 takeaways from the encounter:

#1 - Huesca make a statement

In the 2016-17, Huesca came close to their first ever season at the top flight, only to be knocked out in the playoffs. However, this year, they pulled one better and got promoted to the Spanish first division for the first time in their history.

After a victory against Eibar on the opening day of the season and coming back from 2 goals down to draw against Athletic club, Huesca are making a strong statement.

They took the lead with just 2 minutes on the clock, stunning the Blaugrana. After going 3-1 down, they still were relentless in attack and scored another goal. When most teams go to Camp Nou with a ‘Park the Bus’ strategy, Huesca showed the world that they are not afraid of the big boys.

While the scoreline suggests a lopsided contest, Huesca caused quite a few problems for the defending champions and could prove to be a tricky fixture for the teams to come.

#2 - Another day, another record for Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi bagged a brace

Falling to a shock goal by the minnows, Barcelona needed a bit of waking up and magic and Lionel Messi once again led from the front, with a wonderfully worked equalizer, dancing past the Huesca defence.

With that Messi has scored against 37 different teams in La Liga. The Camp Nou crowd were treated to a magnificent display from the magician, with his signature runs, sublime passes and goals.

In the last attack of the game, Barca were awarded a penalty. Messi would pass on the opportunity to score a hattrick and hand over the spot kick to Suarez instead.

Class.

#3 - Dembele silences his critics

Dembele in action against SD Huesca

When the transfer window opened, there were murmurs of Dembele perhaps be sent out on loan by Barcelona. The rumours were squished by both the player and the club, who backed him up 100 per cent.

With each passing game, Dembele is proving why Barcelona paid so much sum to secure his services from Borussia Dortmund. In 3 games, Dembele already has 2 goals, including the winner against Valladolid last game.

Just like Coutinho, Dembele is growing in his role each week, making a formidable front three with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi which is bad news for the opposition.

#4 - Rare poor outing for Sergio Busquets

Busquets looked out of sorts on Sunday at the Camp Nou

The heart and soul of Barca’s midfield for almost a decade, the number of poor outings from Sergio Busquets can literally be counted; Such is the consistency of the central midfielder.

However, today was a rare poor showing, as Busquets looked below par compared to his other midfield compatriots.

With misplaced passes and a couple of poor touches here and there, it was not the usual Busquets that the Camp Nou is used to seeing. But the incredible squad depth means Barcelona can take the weight off Busquets’ shoulder.

With the arrival of Arthur and Arturo Vidal, Busquets can take a breather now and then, not worrying about carrying the midfield on his own.

#5 - Coutinho running the show in midfield

Coutinho put in another impressive display against Huesca

After the departure of Andres Iniesta, there was a huge hole at the heart of Barca midfield, something which only a few footballers can try to fill. For Barca, Coutinho just happens to be that.

The Brazilian already has a goal and an assist in 3 games and continues to put in top-notch displays. With his silky feet and a directness in his attacking approach, he is becoming the second most lethal player at Barca after Messi.

His performances at the Camp Nou was nothing short of a masterclass with his beautiful link-up plays with Messi and Suarez. The highlight of the day was his assist to Messi that was absolutely Iniesta-esque.

If Coutinho continues the way he is playing, the money Barca spent to get him from Liverpool could very well prove to be a bargain.