Barcelona showed their class as they eased to a 3-1 victory over Celtic in their opening game of the International Champions Cup.

The Catalan side settled into a smooth passing rhythm early on as they stroked the ball around, with Lionel Messi looking to provide the creative spark.

The Spanish champions took the lead in the 11th minute as a cheesy nutmeg from Aleix Vidal allowed the right back to play the ball across goal to Arda Turan, who curled a fine shot home.

Barca continued to dominate as youth star Juan Camara squandered an opening before Scott Brown had his effort for Celtic saved after 22 minutes.

Celtic pulled level in the tie seven minutes later as Leigh Griffiths took advantage of an appalling defensive blunder by Barca youngster Jose Martinez. However, the Catalans regained the lead barely a minute later as Efe Ambrose was unfortunate to direct a cross into his own net.

Barca all but wrapped up the game before half-time as Munir El Haddadi grabbed a third following an excellent team move.

Both sides made a string of changes after the interval before Tomas Rogic came close with a long-range effort for Celtic. Barcelona then hit back as first Denis Suarez had effort saved after 57 minutes before Luis Suarez was off target three minutes later.

Munir continued to threaten for Barca has he fired off three shots over the following 10-minute spell, before Nadir Ciftci fired over the bar for Celtic on the 80-minute mark.

There proved to be no additions scoring as Barca ran out 3-1 winners.

Photo: Reuters