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SCORE: (Messi 16',61'; Polido(OG) 24'; Suarez 39',93'; Dembele 48'; Rakitic 42'; Alba 81'; ) Barcelona 8-2 SD Huesca (Hernandez 3'; Gallar 42')
Barcelona were looking to make it three wins in a row after victories over Deporvito Alaves and Real Valladolid in the opening two encounters of LaLiga Santander. Lionel Messi had already notched up two goals for the campaign and after drawing a blank in the second fixture would've been hoping for a return to goalscoring form on the way to a victory for his side.
And when Leo Messi wishes so, it so often turns out to be so. La Liga's tormentor-in-chief was in sublime form finding the back of the net twice and lit up Camp Nou on numerous other occasions with touches of brilliance and defence-splitting passes.
Just what the doctor ordered for the Catalans after Real Madrid mounted the pressure on the reigning LaLiga Champions after an impressive 4-1 win over Leganes the night before. Here are the Talking Points from a game that saw both Messi and Suarez score braces and Alba, Rakitic and Dembele all getting on the scoresheet as well:
#5 Huesca took the hosts by surprise, but Barcelona should've seen it coming
Huesca have been terrific on their League bow so far this season - winning the first and then stealing an impressive draw at the daunting San Mames against Athletic Bilbao despite going two goals down.
The new boys in the Spanish top flight have looked very impressive in the short time they've had in the big-time scoring freely and also showing a spirit becoming more and rare in the game these days - the spirit to take the game to the opposition.
But every other stadium in the world is something, and the one in Barcelona is something else. However, the newly promoted side showed character and courage to take the game to the opposition, particularly in the opening stages of the game.
And they sure reaped the benefits of that reward. In fact, it was as soon as the second minute of the game when they stunned the home crowd by taking the lead against, arguably the biggest club in the world.
#4 Normal service resumes
When things don't quite go as planned, you hope to pass the ball to Leo Messi and let him take care of business. Quite often, it is also the plan going in. You know why that is? Because it always bloody works!
The Argentine was eager to make amends after missing out on a torrid pitch against Valladolid and he turned the game on its head, and then some. He hit right back with an equalizer stamped the touch of class exclusive to him - a drop of the shoulder taking three defenders out of contention before leathering it in the far corner with his "weaker" right foot.
That was soon followed up with an unfortunate own-goal before Luis Suarez finished off a terrific move - involving Phillipe Coutinho and Jordi Alba linking up brilliantly to set it up for the Uruguayan.
#3 Huesca's valour eclipsed by the scoreline
The newest members of the League surely did themselves proud. Not if you're one of those only just finding out about what transpired last night. But for those who saw them in action against the Champions last night will concede that they played their part in what was a ridiculously exciting game.
They made a real fist out of it, particularly in the first half as they pulled one back to make it a nervous half-time team-talk for Valverde to his men as the score stood at 3-2 but their approach to the game eventually cost them the game. However, the philosophy of the manager, based on attacking football, was a joy to behold in action.
They went out and took the game to Barcelona, looking to make their mark on the scoresheet and not justing flooding their own penalty box in the hope of keeping the opposition out. It was a breath of fresh air to see a side show intent in games against the big teams and unfortunately, Huesca came out taking a beating but Leo Franco's men are sure to earn a lot of admirers if they persist with the style of play the manager's got them playing.
#2 Leo Messi an island of calm in a sea of petulance
We're certain no one needs a recap of the drama surrounding Luka Modric being awarded the UEFA Player of the year. The childing behaviour showing by Cristiano Ronaldo on a fellow teammate winning a prestigious award he feels is rightly his was not a one-off. In fact, it has become normal, sometimes even acceptable behaviour when a player's tantrums take precedence over acceptable behaviour and general respect.
However, Messi showed last night why he is so often the leading example for young athletes hoping to become professional footballers showed aspire to follow. The Barca captain was on a hat-trick and had the chance to get his third and move clear of Karim Benzema in the LaLiga goal-scoring charts from the spot. Luis Suarez made one gesture asking Messi if he could take it and Messi simply dabbed the ball back to him to take the penalty.
Suarez ended the game with a brace as did Messi and we can't help but wonder how some of the other superstars with huge egos would react. We don't have to wonder, do we? We already have examples Even the rift between Cavani and Neymar over the same issue, for instance.
#1 Barcelona make a statement of intent
The Champions have laid down the marker. Ernesto Valverde's side looks like a well-oiled machine at the moment, threatening to tear down anything in its path to retaining the LaLiga title.
However, there is still a long long way to go and the road ahead will not be free of obstacles and difficulties, but if the way they played on the night, and in the three games of the season so far, the early indications look good for the holders.
Everyone played their part in an impressive win, including Jordi Alba who was dropped by Luis Enrique from the Spanish squad because of personal skirmishes with the player.
Valverde had asked the left-back to focus on his club duties for the time-being and channel his anger and frustration into performances on the pitch and that is exactly what he did against Huesca, notching an assist, scoring a goal and also forcing an own-goal.
The current Barcelona side has only four representatives in the current national set-up under their former manager and the performance on the night will only raise further questions as to why the case is.
