MADRID, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Leo Messi once again led from the front as FC Barcelona won 2-0 away to Alaves to start the season with two wins in as many games.
The Argentinean took control of the game in the second half and scored both of his side's goals to give a deserved win to Barca against a well-organized rival, who went in 0-0 at halftime.
Barcelona were quick into their stride in a ground where they won 6-0 last season and showed that Ernesto Valverde's arrival as coach has done little to alter their traditional passing style, although their early efforts failed to test Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco as Alaves showed themselves to be well-drilled in midfield and defense.
Ruben Sobrino had a decent chance for Alaves as they caught Barca on the break, but Barca keeper, Ter Stegen responded well on the half hour.
Leo Messi had the chance to put Barca ahead in the 38th minute from the penalty spot after Ely was judged to have pulled Gerard Pique, but Pacheco covered a lot of ground to palm Messi's spot kick wide.
Pique then earned a booking for trying to score with his hand as Pacheco pulled off another save from Deulofeu.
Messi opened the scoring 10 minutes after halftime following a neat exchange of passes between Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba, who pulled the ball back for Messi to drill the ball home with the aid of a slight deflection.
It was his 350th league goal and he made it 351 after Paco Alcacer cut out a clearance with his head and Messi was on hand to lash the ball past Pacheco.
All of Barca's best football was going through Messi once again and he almost sealed his hat-trick with a shot against the bar with 15 minutes remaining.
Barca were in complete control and new signing Paulinho made his debut with five minutes left in the game to allow Valverde's side to go into the international break in a more positive frame of mind than a fortnight ago. Enditem
