MADRID: Samuel Eto'o scored twice and Lionel Messionce to spearhead FC Barcelona's 6-1 romp over Atletico Madrid inthe Spanish league on Saturday. Barcelona joined Valencia, which plays at Valladolid on Sunday, at 13 points to trail leader Villarreal by three points. Villarreal rallied for 2-1 victory over Real Betis earlier.

Rafael Marquez opened Barcelona's perfect start with a fourth-minute header before Eto'o's penalty and Messi's audacious free kick made it 3-0 after nine minutes.

Eidur Gudjohnsen and Thierry Henry also contributed to the goal parade and Messi was unlucky not to add a highlight reel goal after Eto's second. Maxi Rodriguez would curl in Atletico's lone goal in the 14th.

Villarreal'srallied for 2-1 victory over Real Betis earlier thanks to second half goals from Gonzalo Rodriguez and Joseba Llorente.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and the 98,772 spectators at the Camp Nou stadium couldn't have asked for a better start.