Just prior to kickoff Pep Guardiola’s side received bad news as captain Carles Puyol was pulled from the starting lineup as a precaution after suffering a muscle pull during warm-ups.

The last minute adjustment did not seem to affect Barcelona as Lionel Messi quickly got back to his Golden Boot winning performance of last season by scoring in the third minute off a nice chip shot served up by Andres Iniesta.

In the 32nd minute Iniesta was able to secure a goal of his own when Racing’s keeper punched the ball out of the area directly to Iniesta who one timed the volley over the outstretched keeper and bringing Barça’s bench to their feet.

A few minutes later Racing were handed a gift penalty by Carlos Delgado Ferreiro who called a foul in the box when Maxwell challenged Francis and the Racing defender fell to the ground.

Tchité took the penalty for Racing send the ball to his left where Zamora Trophy winner Victor Valdes had already dove in anticipation knocking Tchité shot clear and keeping Barça’s lead intact going into halftime.

To the start the second half Barcelona were dealt another blow when Xavi was unable to take the pitch having suffered a muscle pull just before halftime.

With Pedro replacing the injured Xavi Barcelona continued to dominate possession and stretched the Racing defense thin. David Villa continued to prowl the left side determined to find the net in his first league appearance for the Blaugrana.

In the 63rd minute Villa’s determination paid off when Dani Alves found the ex-Valencia striker on a cross from the right which Villa controlled and redirected past Toño for his first league goal for Barcelona and increasing their lead to three.

As the match neared the final whistle Racing stepped up their attack trying to end on a high note but Valdes was determined to maintain his clean sheet and seal his sides convincing victory.

Full match highlight here