Madrid: Barcelona avoided any mishaps as they set out on the defence of their Spanish Cup title with a 3-0 first leg win away to lower league Alaves.
Despite resting several star names, David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas were on target on Tuesday to continue the Catalan giants majestic start to the campaign, which has seen them only drop points in La liga with their draw in the El Clasico with Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Pedro Rodriguez were among the players left at home, but it made little difference as the visitors were always in control against an Alaves side which has seen better times.
The 2001 Uefa Cup finalists are now in Segunda B, the Spanish third tier.
Villa fired Barca ahead on 40 minutes scored off the crossbar after receiving a long ball from Iniesta.
The roles were reversed five minutes after the restart as Villa set up Iniesta for a curling 20-yard strike which nestled in the top corner.
Fabregas nodded in a header two minutes from the end.
Earlier Valencia overcame the rain for a 2-0 victory over Llagostera. (AFP)
