What the papers say...Barcelona beat Celtic in Champions League
The seven goals that Barça put past Celtic caused quite a reaction in the international press. We look over some of what the world's journalists had to say.
The world's sports press watched and then marvelled at the seven-goal destruction of Scottish champions Celtic by their Spanish hosts Barcelona in last night's opening game of the Champions League 2016/17. Here's a selection of what was being written:
Spain and Scotland
Mundo Deportivo (Spain): "The magic of Messi and Neymar annihilates Celtic". "They were the leaders of a magnificent overall performance that heals the wounds opened by Alavés".
Sport (Spain): "The trident 'revives' Barça". "With the MSN bursting with life, Barça put forward their candidacy for the Champions League at the first test."
Herald (Scotland): Barcelona force of nature whips up unstoppable storm as Celtic drown in deluge." "There aren’t enough column inches to pick apart and praise the part played by the three [MSN] in each goal, just as it would be unfair to lambast a shattered Celtic team who were simply outclassed."
In other parts of the world
Olé (Argentina): "Barcelona take Celtic on a formidably merry dance, with three for Messi, two for Suarez, a superb free kick from Neymar and an Iniesta bullet: 7-0. It was a raging start from the culés at the Camp Nou. A football show."
La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): "Messi-Neymar, the spectacle of Barcelona. A performance of the purest quality in the Camp Nou. Messi and Neymar are playing with flair and harmony that produces chances and goals like those on the Playstation".
Gallery: Barça crush Celtic at Camp Nou
Daily Mail (England): "Barcelona's big beasts satisfied after tearing Celtic apart in Champions League seven-goal demolition. Barcelona provide sheer sporting theatre for an appreciative audience. The natives fill the Nou Camp to bask in artistic glory."
L'Equipe (France): "Barca crush Celtic. Three days after their league defeat to Alavés, they took revenge against Celtic."