Robert Lewandowski netted a brace as Barcelona claimed a dominant 5-0 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League.
The five-time champion Catalan giants crushed their Swiss opponents to atone for their first-match loss to Monaco.
Goals from Raphinha and Inigo Martinez, along with an own goal, gave Hansi Flick’s team a comfortable win and greatly increased their goal differential.
According to Raphinha, establishing a strong goal differential was made easier by the Champions League’s expanded format and one table for all participating teams.
After the setback at Monaco, Barca coach Flick fielded likely his best team despite the Swiss team’s difficulties.
With just one victory in eight games, Young Boys are in the relegation zone in their home league. This season, they made their European debut, losing badly to Aston Villa at home.
Barcelona took the lead after just eight minutes when Lewandowski finished off a cross-shot from Raphinha with a poacher’s touch.
Barcelona dominated, with Jules Kounde smashing over and Ferran Torres having a shot saved. However, after 30 minutes, Young Boys created their first opening when Ebrima Colley’s effort went wide.
Pedri’s attempt was stopped, but the ball bounced to Raphinha, who was having a great start to the season, and he doubled Barcelona’s lead from close range.
centre-back Shortly after, Pedri’s free kick found Martinez, who headed home Barca’s third goal as the Catalans overwhelmed their dishevelled opponents.
Torres had a great opportunity to score the fourth goal but he missed it because he shot straight at Young Boys custodian Marvin Keller.
After Martinez had nodded Lamine Yamal’s corner back across the goal, Lewandowski scored his second goal from close range, and Barcelona started the second half just as they had ended the first.
The 36-year-old, who is enjoying a renaissance under his former Bayern Munich coach Flick, scored his ninth goal in ten appearances this season.
Joel Monteiro, a winger for Young Boys, hit the crossbar, but that was the closest the visitors got to celebrating in Catalonia.
As the game was drawing to an end, Barcelona supporters were happy to see Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong enter as a substitute, making his first appearance since an ankle injury in April.
In the 81st minute, Mohamed Camara scored Barcelona’s fifth goal by deflecting Alejandro Balde’s cross into his own net.
Local fans screamed Andres Iniesta’s name, the legendary former Barcelona midfielder, following rumours that the 2010 World Cup champion from Spain will declare his retirement the following week.
Pole Wojciech Szczesny was watching from the presidential box as Inaki Pena made a great save at his near post and Monteiro’s late score was disallowed for offside.
In order to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona is set to sign the former stopper for Juventus and Arsenal.
