Messi's 'goal post hattrick'; and Semedo's brilliant La Liga debut

FC Barcelona kick start their La Liga season with a strong and demanding 2-0 win against Real Betis. After their humiliation at the Santiago Bernabeu, crashing out of the Spanish Super Copa on a 5-1 aggregate and the recent terrorist attack in the city of Barcelona, the team could not have responded in a better manner. Barca was missing several main players at tonight's opening match due to injuries: Suarez (right knee), Iniesta (thigh) and Pique (adductor); however, that did not come as an excuse for the home side. Valverde's men dominated from start to finish, leaving the fans with something to smile about after an awful and tragic week.

Sergi Roberto's goal to give Barca a 2-0 lead

Messi looked very sharp throughout the match, setting up the majority of Barca's dangerous plays. But unfortunately, 'la pulga' was not able to get his name on the score board, as the post continuously kept denying his world class shots.

@TeamMessi continues his thorough inspection of the Camp Nou goalposts. pic.twitter.com/x5kbgHLgVA

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) August 20, 2017

Newly signed Nelson Semedo played the entire 90 + minutes and proved to be a brilliant signing for the club.  His velocity, quick passing ability, and creative vision left culés in awe, as Semedo gave a very good first impression to the home fans.

Nélson Semedo's LaLiga debut by numbers:

100% take-ons completed
100% tackles won
93% pass accuracy
2 clearances
1 chance created

pic.twitter.com/c7UnbMW5Xp

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 20, 2017

 Promising stuff from Barca's new signing: Nelson Semedo

— FC Barcelona (@FCBinturkey) August 20, 2017

FC Barcelona bagged three points with a strong team effort to start this year's La Liga campaign, and Messi and Co. will be hoping to keep the momentum going throughout the rest of the season. Don't miss their next match. Details below.

Next challenge: August 26 @ Alavés // 9:15 A.M. (PST)