FC Barcelona emphatically returned to winning ways with an 8-0 defeat of CA Osasuna but remain two points behind early leaders Valencia CF, who maintained their perfect start to the Liga season.

The European champions, held 2-2 in their last two matches, were five to the good by half-time with two from Lionel Messi, a third in as many Liga games for Cesc Fàbregas, David Villa and a Rovérsio own goal.

Xavi Hernández, Villa and Messi were on target after the break for Josep Guardiola's team, who also recorded an 8-0 victory last season, away to UD Almería. The reverse equals Osasuna's worst in the Liga, the Pamplona club having lost by the same scoreline to Real Madrid CF in October 1958.

Roberto Soldado, meanwhile, scored for the fifth time in three league fixtures as Valencia won 1-0 at Real Sporting de Gijón, who are bottom without a point. Sevilla FC beat Real Sociedad de Fútbol 1-0 in the late game to join Barcelona on seven points.

Granada CF had lost their first two games but got off the mark at the third time of asking as the promoted club overcame Villarreal CF 1-0 thanks to Ikechukwu Uche. Málaga CF prevailed by the same score at RCD Mallorca.