The visitors had produced some good performances to start the new campaign but found themselves three goals down after just nine minutes as Rafael Marquez (3), Samuel Eto'o with a penalty (6) and Lionel Messi (9) all found the net early on.

Maxi Rodriguez pulled a goal back for the Rojiblancos after 13 minutes but the visitors' defence were obviously still in a state of shock as Eto'o restored the three-goal lead five minutes later.

Eidur Gudjohnsson made it five before the half-hour mark and Thierry Henry completed the scoring with a well-worked goal 17 minutes from the end of the second-half.

Elsewhere, Villarreal scored twice in three second-half minutes to come from a goal down and secure a fifth consecutive win against Real Betis.

The visitors went ahead through Damia after 20 minutes and should have added to their lead in a one-sided first-half.

However, Gonzalo Rodriguez equalised with a header midway through the second period and Joseba Llorente struck two minutes later to complete a dramatic turnaround.

The win sees Villarreal move three points clear of Valencia, who travel to Valladolid on Sunday, at the top of the table.

Betis, meanwhile, remain in the bottom three with just two points from their six matches.