Magnificent Barcelona hit Levante for seven in La Liga opener

Gerardo Martino's reign at Barcelona began with a 7-0 demolition of Levante at Camp Nou in La Liga.

The defending Spanish champions netted six before the break and then strolled home in the second 45 minutes, adding one more to the total.

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It took just three minutes for Barca to open the scoring with a trademark tiki-taka passing move that Levante's players could only admire.

Xavi's first-time pass was weighted perfectly for the run of Cesc Fabregas, who unselfishly squared to Alexis Sanchez to tap home.

Lionel Messi opened his account for the season in the 12th minute by collecting Daniel Alves's pass and firing low past Keylor Navas.

Alves then got himself on the scoresheet to make it three after 24 minutes by rounding off another swift set of passes, with Fabregas again the provider.

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Pedro made it four two minutes later, running onto Messi's pass and opening his body to guide the ball into the far corner.

It was five and then six when Messi lashed home a penalty before yet another one-touch move bamboozled the green shirts of Levante and was finished off by Xavi on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Neymar was given his debut as the hosts added only one more goal to their tally.

Hector Rodas carelessly gifted Fabregas possession from a free kick and once again the former Arsenal midfielder was unselfish in laying off for Pedro to finish for his second.