The star of the show at the Camp Nou on Sunday evening was Antoine Griezmann, who enjoyed a fine home debut for Barcelona.
The Frenchman scored twice, the second being particularly memorable with a cut inside and curling finish, almost reminiscent of Lionel Messi.
"Yes, I saw Leo do it in training and I copied him," Griezmann said, laughing, to Movistar after the game.
"The celebration? I liked what LeBron [James] did and tried to copy him."
It was essential for the 28-year-old - and Barcelona - to respond after the defeat to Athletic Club last weekend.
"After the defeat there were a lot of comments; we had to work this week," Griezmann admitted.
"We woke up after their goal and in the end we played well, with a lot of chances. We enjoyed ourselves and we hope it's always like that.
"We really wanted to play again after Bilbao; we improved but there are still details to work on."
However, Barcelona did have to do so without many key players, including Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.
"In the end, when important people are missing, the team has to step up and today has been like that," Griezmann responded.
"I can't do it alone; if I score or give assists it's thanks to my teammates. We're a team.
"It's the best when, in spite of injuries, people who come in can respond."
Barcelona will next face a visit to play newly-promoted Osasuna on Saturday.
FreeAgent10
518
The King and the Prince. Vamos Griezmann! Força Barça 🔵🔴💪
rioabclrst
368
don't forgot this pure talent
king-chekwa
254
📸 — When you realize Ansu Fati and Carles Perez have both actually performed better than Dembélé's last 5 games..
ziaabdlmno
249
This boy is some how better than dembele
Toblana
157
Messi in football is just like Isaac Newton in science...Messi is a football Doctor...he can treat any disease in football. Griezmann can become a genius if he continues learning with respect from the GOAT... Learn from t Football Isaac Newton, @Griezmann, Good Luck.
Jegele
83
Fans now showers 🚿 praise on the players but if they had lost ,.. rain ☔️ of abuse on the coach . Anyway that’s human being for you. One good thing I learnt today was the sincerity from Griezman who admits he is learning from the 🐐 G.O.A.T. His humility and ability, desire hunger and thirst to learn has handed him MOTM today. That’s what Neymar never wanted to do then pride and success got into his head . No wonder they say ;You are not too old to learn and never too young to teach. Messi wasn’t on the pitch but we saw his impact and fans were happy 😃. Good football good spirit . #Visca Barcelona #
rioabclrst
8
i hope he get more playing time with the senior squad.
same bro