Barcelona got their Champions League Group C campaign off to a flyer with a 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon at the Nou Camp.

Goals from Rafael Marquez, Samuel Eto'o and Xavi sealed the win with Tonel scoring what turned out to be nothing more than a consolation for the Portuguese visitors. The Catalan club go to the top of the group after Shakhtar Donetsk won 2-1 at Basel courtesy of two free-kicks from Fernandinho and Jadson.

For all of Barcelona's monopolisation of the ball and exciting open play, both of Barcelona's goal came from set pieces.

Xavi's 21st-minute corner sailed over everyone and fell to Marquez, and the big Mexican had time to direct a header back across goal that bounced in low just inside the far post.

The ball passed Seydou Keita's outstretched boot on the way in, but the Mali midfielder did not manage to get a touch.

Samuel Eto'o doubled the home side's lead on the hour-mark after the Cameroon striker went down easily under the challenge of Abel as he jumped for a cross. The man who was told during the summer he had no place at the club dusted himself down and sent Rui Patricio the wrong way to score.

Sporting boss Paulo Bento had started the match with striker Helder Postiga on the bench and Yannick Djalo and Abel Ferreira spearheading their attack, but he brought on the former Tottenham and Benfica striker and midfielder Miguel Veloso as his side attempted to mount a fightback.

Sporting were lifted by the introductions, and soon after Abel forced a good save from Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes.

Barcelona had let their dominance turn into complacency, and they paid the price on 73 minutes when they were caught napping while defending a free-kick, allowing Tonel the time to steer to ball past Victor Valdes on the half-volley.

That strike looked to be the catalyst for an unexpected comeback, especially when an under-par Lionel Messi blasted a shot wide from close range.

However, the outstanding Xavi calmed Catalan nerves with three minute to go when he got on the end of Andres Iniesta's teasing cross to prod home and restore the two-goal cushion.