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.

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola says that he is under no illusions that the team must start winning after they only managed a 1-1 tie against Racing on Sunday to make it four games without a win in all competitions.

The Blaugrana have earned just one point and scored one goal in their opening two matches, making it their worst start to a season since 1973-74.

"We know that at the end of the day you're judged on results," said Guardiola. "But I'm happy with the Racing game because even though we didn't win, we played well.

"Yes, it does make you a bit uncomfortable and the players know that at this club you have to win every game. That's why starting with a home win is crucial."

A win against Sporting is a must, and Guardiola says he is confident that he has the Portuguese side's number despite acknowledging them to be a good team.

"I reckon it'll be a fine match because I've seen how we play and how they play," the ex Barca midfielder added. "I know how to approach the game and how to get at their defence and counter their strengths. We've got to go for it and win the game."

"They look good especially in midfield and up front. They are quick on the break and have some superb players such as Moutinho, Veloso and Rochemback, who used to play for Barça."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Having been released by Fulham after an injury plagued 2007-2008 season, former Barcelona player Philippe Christanval (30) is at this moment still available on a free transfer.

Christanval had been playing for English Premier League club Fulham since 2005 but his expiring contract wasn't renewed this summer.

Arriving from French club AS Monaco in the summer of 2001, Philippe Christanval played two seasons for Barcelona. The central defender returned to the French league in 2003 joining Olympique Marseille.

AC Milan star Kaka has backed Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or. Kaka is also on the shortlist to win this year's award.

“Messi is a truly great player. Cristiano Ronaldo is also very good and deserves the away, but I want Leo to be my successor,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He has incredible ability and can control the ball superbly and that makes him one of the best players in the world.

“I think he is the sort of player that you would always want in your team.

“I am only talking about this year. My aim is to recover my form as quickly as possible and to try and win th trophy again in Paris and the FIFA World Player of the Year in Zürich.

“But for that to happen I have to be playing at a consistently good level for Milan.”

Barça Atlètic picked up its first three points of the season after a fine display against Gramanet. The game finished 2 – 0 to the side managed by Luis Enrique.

A minute’s silence was held before the game in memory of ex-Barça player Joan Segarra who died recently. Luis Enrique’s players dedicated their first win of the season to him after beating Gramanet on Sunday at the Miniestadi.

Sending-off at start

In the 11th minute Héctor Verdés was sent off for a heavy tackle on Pugui. However Luis Enrique decided to stick to the same attacking system he’d used since the start of the game with three players up front.

Despite the sending-off Barça Atlético dominated the whole of the first half with the best chances going to Nolito and Thiago who brought fine saves out of the visitors’ keeper.

Goals not long in coming

Barça Atlètic continued to dominate the game in the second half and the goals weren’t long in coming. Six minutes into the half Víctor Sánchez scored the first after a great assist by Goran Maric.

Sides evened up

The two sides evened up in numbers when Gramanet defender Xavi Muñoz got his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card in the 57th minute. Luis Enrique’s men were playing much more confidently and in the 71st minute Xavi Torres headed home from a Jeffren corner to make it two nil.

Jeffren injured

As the game moved towards its end, Jeffren got injured after having a crack at goal from a Maric pass, and had to be stretchered off.

With this result Barça picked up its first three points of the campaign. Next week Luis Enrique’s men will be visiting Sant Andreu.

STATS

FCB Atlètic, 2
At. Gramanet, 0

Barça Atlètic: Miño, Córcoles, Espasandin, Hector Vedés, Víctor Sánchez, Rueda (Xavi Torres, min 45), Rayo (Jeffren, min 45), Thiago (Sergi Busquets, min 68), Maric, Longás and Nolito.

At. Gramanet: Barragán, Rezzonico, Jorge, Pugui, Monty, Meca, Expósito, Lao, Alfaro, Roberto Carlos.

Goals: Víctor Sánchez (min 51) and Xavi Torres (min 71)

Referee: Sebastian Ripoll