Barça are back in business in the Champions League! An early goal from Lamine Yamal and a second-half double from MVP Raphinha secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Spotify Camp Nou, ending the English side's perfect start to the competition and giving Hansi Flick's team three valuable points in the race for a top-eight finish.

The evening began on a sombre note following the tragic death of Tenerife footballer Jesús de Miguel, who passed away after suffering injuries in a collision during his team's match against Andorra the previous day. As a mark of respect, the usual Champions League anthem was not played before kick-off, contributing to a more subdued atmosphere than usual at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Lamine strikes early

The blaugranes made an energetic start to a rain-soaked encounter and needed just seven minutes to break the deadlock. Lamine Yamal anticipated a misplaced pass from Emiliano Buendía and calmly curled his finish into the far corner. The goal also made him the highest-scoring player under the age of 20 in Champions League history.

But Aston Villa soon showed why they had won their opening three European fixtures. They threatened repeatedly on the counterattack, with Joan García producing a series of crucial saves to preserve Barça's lead. Pedri also cleared a Matty Cash effort off the line, while the home defence had to work hard to contain Nicolas Jackson and the dangerous runs of Villa's forwards.

Barça had opportunities of their own, particularly through Lamine, Fermín López and Raphinha, but it was Joan García who emerged as the outstanding performer of an entertaining first half, ensuring that Flick's side went into the break ahead.

Raphinha takes centre stage

Barça came out determined to take a firmer grip on proceedings after the restart. Lamine went close almost immediately, before Raphinha doubled the lead in the 52nd minute. Fermín picked out the Brazilian with a clever pass, and his shot took a deflection off Pau Torres that wrong-footed goalkeeper Suzuki.

The second goal gave Barça some much-needed breathing space, and the third followed just 12 minutes later. João Cancelo produced a wonderful piece of skill to get past John McGinn before delivering a perfectly weighted pass for Raphinha to finish from close range.

It was a special milestone for the Brazilian, who drew level with Ronaldinho on 94 goals for Barça.

Fermín almost added another, only to be denied by a superb save from Suzuki, as the blaugranes looked to put the result beyond doubt.

Three points safely secured

Villa threatened briefly to find a way back into the game, with Goretzka heading against the post from a corner, but Barça were able to manage their comfortable lead.

Flick took the opportunity to introduce Frenkie de Jong, making his 300th appearance for Barça, along with Gavi and Gabriel Jesus, while Lamine continued to cause problems for the visiting defence.

The youngster twice went close to adding a fourth, curling one effort narrowly wide before forcing another fine save from Suzuki in the closing minutes. But this story was over, and the Barça fans were already celebrating a convincing victory over one of Europe’s top teams.

The result takes the blaugranes to nine points from four games, momentarily second in the table with further games to be played tomorrow.

A fabulous victory, but one overshadowed by tragic news. Speaking after the game, Raphinha declined to discuss the result, instead paying tribute to the late Jesús de Miguel. Visibly affected by the Tenerife player's death, the Brazilian simply said: “Today is not a good day to talk about football.”