13 September 2006, by Sean Gillen

Five-star Barcelona crush Sofia

Barcelona 5-0 Levski Sofia

Holders Barcelona began the defence of their Champions League crown with an emphatic win over Bulgarian debutants Levski Sofia at the Nou Camp. Portuguese midfielder Deco played his part in an excellent team display, as goals from Iniesta, Giuly, Puyol, Eto’o and Ronaldinho thrilled the home crowd.

Barca took an early lead, with Deco playing a crucial role in the goal. The former Porto playmaker picked out Ronaldinho wide on the left with an outstanding 40-metre pass, and the Brazilian superstar cut the ball back for Andres Iniesta to fire the Catalans in front.

Ludovic Giuly cut inside from the right and drilled in the second before Carles Puyol tapped in from close range after Levski goalkeeper Petkov fumbled a Ronaldinho free-kick to make it three early in the second half.

Deco then passed to Eto’o and the Cameroonian went on a solo run which resulted in him beating Petkov with a low finish. Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho put the seal on an excellent night when he drifted in from the left and curled a beautiful short into the top corner.

After the match, Barca boss Frank Rijkaard praised his players for their efforts: “It is always good to begin by winning, particularly at home. I would like to congratulate my players, because they performed their duties.”

“Thanks to our opponents, a beautiful match has been seen,” he went on, emphasizing the offensive potential of Sofia, and their will to win, and not just not to lose, even though it was always a tall order.

Next for the Spanish champions is a trip to Germany to play Werder Bremen, before a double-header against old foes Chelsea.

Barcelona:
Valdes, Belletti, van Bronkhorst, Puyol, Thuram (Oleguer, 79), Motta, Iniesta (Xavi, 71), Deco, Giuly (Gudjohnsen, 63), Ronaldinho, Eto’o
Yellow Cards: None

Levski Sofia:
Petkov, Milanov, Topuzakov, Tomasic, Angelov, Borimov (Minev, 62), Eromoigbe, Telkiiski, Bardon, Angelov (Ivanov, 45), Yovov (Ivanov, 69)
Yellow Cards: Ivanov (65), Milanov (75)

Goals:
[1-0] Iniesta, 7
[2-0] Giuly, 39
[3-0] Puyol, 49
[4-0] Eto’o, 58
[5-0] Ronaldinho, 93