31 August,2011 09:35 AM IST | | AFP
Champions Barcelona produced the perfect response to bitter rivals Real Madrid here on Monday as they overwhelmed Champions League qualifiers Villarreal 5-0 in their opening league match of the season.
A double by Lionel Messi plus goals on their league debuts for summer acquisitions Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez after an opener from Thiago came just a day after Real had thrashed Real Zaragoza 6-0.
Barcelona's win, though, is an ominous sign for Real Madrid as Villarreal are considered a far stronger side than Zaragoza.
