Barcelona started their Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Real Betis on an emotional night at Camp Nou.

Barcelona started their Liga campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Real Betis on an emotional night at Camp Nou, despite injuries to Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique.

Both goals – an Alin Tosca own goal and a Sergi Roberto strike – came in the first half, with Ernesto Valverde notching a win in his first La Liga game as Barcelona boss. There was a first start for Nelson Semedo at right back, with Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu partnering Lionel Messi in attack.

Ultimately, the Catalans never had to shift out of second gear, with Messi pulling the strings from a False Nine position, also hitting the woodwork no fewer than three times over the 90 minutes. It just wouldn’t go in for the Argentine.

Nonetheless, this was a complete display from Barcelona after a difficult week for the city, with tributes to the victims of the Las Ramblas terror attack victims made before kick off.