After being humbled by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona kicked off their league campaign in the Camp Nou on Sunday evening.
With Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta missing through injury, the lineup named by Ernesto Valverde for the meeting with Real Betis had some suggesting it was one of the weakest Barcelona elevens in years - even though Lionel Messi was one of those to feature.
Barca did, however, manage to take the lead with ten minutes to go to half-time. A Gerard Deulofeu cross was turned into his own net by Betis' Alin Tosca.
Although there was a sense at this stage that Barca had upped the tempo, Betis should've levelled within minutes. A quick counter saw Sergio Leon go clean through on goal.
Then, just as the striker was about to pull the trigger, Javier Mascherano's expertly-timed slide tackle managed to prod the ball away from danger.
https://twitter.com/_ArtofFootball9/status/899345658028716033
To make matters worse for the visitors, Barca went right down the other end and doubled their lead through Sergi Roberto.
But not even a second goal could prevent those watching the game from praising Mascherano.
https://twitter.com/ppk_praveen/status/899348105895698432
https://twitter.com/imasoodaslam/status/899348039164448768
https://twitter.com/BristolCWU/status/899347725170429952
https://twitter.com/Fiks_daniel/status/899346958313193476
https://twitter.com/3abas_/status/899347989420015617
https://twitter.com/Jaakbb/status/899347771244892160
