Barcelona began the defence of their LaLiga title in ominous fashion on Saturday, with Lionel Messi and hat-trick hero Luis Suarez starring in a 6-2 demolition of Real Betis at Camp Nou.
Suarez and Messi netted 66 league goals between them last term and began the new campaign as they meant to go on, leading from the front and causing havoc as the Betis defence struggled to cope.
Barca's star duo were without Neymar due to his involvement in the Olympics, but Arda Turan continued his renaissance in the Brazilian's absence by opening the scoring – his third goal in two games after a brace against Sevilla in the Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday.
Ruben Castro's bullet of a free-kick restored parity briefly, but a quick-fire double from Messi and Suarez just before the break effectively killed off Betis' chances.
Messi supplied Suarez with his next early in the second half before then blasting in another of his own from distance.
Suarez completed his treble with a delightful free-kick eight minutes from time, as new Betis coach Gus Poyet was given a harsh lesson in his first game in charge of the Andalusians, despite Castro's late second.
Injured Barca captain Andres Iniesta and Messi were finally presented with last season's LaLiga trophy before kick-off, and those celebrations were followed by further jubilation just six minutes in as the hosts broke the deadlock.
Messi's deep cross picked out the run of Jordi Alba and the left-back teed up Arda, who stabbed home from close range with the outside of his right foot.
And Adan was beaten again just a few moments later – Suarez meeting Sergi Roberto's cut-back with an exquisite first-time finish into the far corner.
Barca increased their cushion 11 minutes into the second half, with Messi leading a counter-attack and then squaring across goal to give Suarez an easy finish after linking cleverly with Arda.
