Barcelona start with victory on emotional night

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.

Is Gerard Deulofeu the man to replace Neymar? The departure of Neymar for Paris Saint-Germain continues to cast a shadow over Camp Nou, but there were at least signs in this display that Barcelona can cope without the Brazilian. Deulofeu gave them width on the right side, contributing two assists in the first half. The former AC Milan and Everton man could yet be part of the solution for the Catalans.

Nelson Semedo (Barcelona). Barcelona still have a lot of problems to solve before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, but on this basis they have found a right back to replace the stopgap Roberto. Semedo provided an outlet for the Catalans throughout, controlling the right wing in the way Dani Alves used to at Camp Nou. There was also signs of an understanding with Deulofeu.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 5, Semedo 8, Mascherano 6, Umtiti 6, Alba 7, Busquets 7, Rakitic 6, Roberto 7, Messi 8, Alcacer 5, Deulofeu 8. Subs: Vidal 6, Suarez 5.

Real Betis: Adan 7, Barragan 6, Mandi 6, Feddal 5, Tosca 4, Guardado 5, Camarasa 5, Navarez 6, Joaquin 7, Nahuel 6, Leon 6. Subs: Garcia 5, Ruiz 5, Guerrero 5.

32’ - MESSI STRIKES THE POST! The Barcelona number 10 lines up a freekick right on the edge of the box, beating Adan with his effort, but he couldn't beat the post, hitting the woodwork.

35’ - GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Betis. Barcelona have the lead! Deulofeu plays the ball into the area from the right side and Messi gets a touch on it to divert the ball into the Real Betis net. Good play from the former Everton man.

39’ - MAGNIFICENT CHALLENGE! Leon looked certain to equalise for Real Betis, with the striker clean through on goal, but Mascherano made a sliding challenge to deny him. Wow!

40’ - GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Betis. Just moments after Real Betis should have equalised, Barcelona have doubled their lead! Deulofeu once again got to the byline and squared a pass for Roberto, who finished into the net.

62’ - MESSI HITS THE POST AGAIN! It's not been the Barcelona number 10's night so far! This time Messi bends a shot from the edge of the penalty box and hits the left hand post!

78’ - BIG CHANCE FOR VIDAL! Messi slots through the right back, who tries to round the goalkeeper Adan, but the outstretched leg knocks the ball away and Messi can't finish the rebound.

Lionel Messi hit the woodwork twice in the one match for the first time since December 2015 9also against Real Betis).

Nelson Semedo was the only outfielder player to successfully complete all his passes in the first half.