A brace from Lionel Messi, and goals from Carles Puyol, Pedro, and David Villa as Barca sauntered through their opening fixture against Real Sociedad. The opposition got a consolation from Chory Castro.
Perhaps no goal was as satisfying as Villa’s coming back to the game after an 8th month injury absence. He took his jersey off to reveal “Imposible Sin Vosotras” written on his undershirt which translates to “Impossible Without You” referring to his wife and two daughters. Villa then went to the sidelines to embrace his physical therapist. That was cool.
Through the match Tito Vilanova looked impassive, barely reacting, looking even more thoughtful with each goal. Maybe he was saving himself for Villa’s goal which he actually applauded.