Reigning La Liga champions FC Barcelona kicked off their title defense with a comfortable 3-0 away to Racing Santander.

Leo Messi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa all scored to give the Catalans a comfortable win against a Racing side that only once threatened to put the result in doubt.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola left Spain international defender Carles Puyol out of his starting eleven, preferring to play Eric Abidal in central defense.

However, he was able to line Iniesta, Messi and Villa in attack and Messi wasted no time in opening the scoring. The Argentinean took a pass from Iniesta and fired past goalkeeper after just four minutes to ease any nerves Barcelona could have felt.

The league champions soon settled into their passing game and Messi had a chance to double the lead before Iniesta made it 2-0 just after the half hour.

Villa worked a shooting chance and although his shot was blocked, Iniesta was on hand to make it 2-0 after 32 minutes.

A minute later referee Delgado Ferreiro threw Racing a lifeline, giving the home side a penalty for an inexistent foul committed by Maxwell on Racing defender Francis.

Tchite stepped up to take the penalty only to be denied by a fine save from Victor Valdes.

Pedro Rodriguez replaced Xavi Hernandez after the break after Barca Guardiola decided to rest his international midfielder as a precaution.

The change could have taken some midfield control away from the visitors, but Racing was unable to put Valdes under pressure.

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