Luis Suarez and Rafinha scored in the first half before three late goals in seven minutes, including two from Neymar, gave Barcelona a 5-0 win at 10-man Sporting Gijon yesterday, their first game this season without Lionel Messi.

After a slow and dull start by Barca, Arda Turan set up Suarez and the Uruguayan rounded the goalkeeper to tap in the opener. Rafinha then headed in Sergi Roberto’s cross at the near post for the second three minutes later.

Gijon lost captain Alberto Lora to a second yellow card for a late challenge on Roberto on 74 minutes.

With nine minutes remaining, substitute Paco Alcacer hit the crossbar but Neymar pounced on the rebound and tapped in.

Sergi Roberto came up with his second assist of the game when his cross found Turan’s header for Barca’s fourth and Neymar got his second two minutes from time with a close-range strike.

Primera Liga

Played yesterday
Eibar vs Real Sociedad - 2-0
Sporting Gijon vs Barcelona - 0-5
Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla - 3-1
Las Palmas vs Real Madrid - 2-2

Today
Leganes vs Valencia - 12.00
Atletico Madrid vs Deportivo - 16.15
Villarreal vs Osasuna - 18.30
Espanyol vs Celta Vigo - 20.45

Tomorrow
Alaves vs Granada - 20.45

Leading standings: Real Madrid 14; Barcelona 13; A. Bilbao 12; Sevilla 11; Las Palmas, Eibar 10; Atl. Madrid 9.

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