Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came off the bench to make a winning start to his Barcelona career as his new side produced a clinical performance to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 and move into La Liga’s top four.
Barca, who saw off the champions by scoring four goals from their only four shots on target, dominated every part of the game from the beginning and were unperturbed when Yannick Carrasco opened the scoring on the counter eight minutes into the first half.
Jordi Alba got the equaliser two minutes later with a magnificent volley from a Dani Alves cross and Gavi headed Barca in front after some neat play by Adama Traore, who was making his second debut for the club following his transfer from Wolves last month.
Ronald Araujo extended the hosts’ lead before half-time , striking home on the rebound from inside the six-yard box after Gerard Pique’s header hit the bar.
Alves scored their fourth right after the break smashing home a low shot from the edge of the box.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone made four substitutions and former Barca striker Luis Suarez reduced the deficit heading a loose ball into the net from close range.
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Aubameyang replaced Traore three minutes later to make his debut before Alves spoiled his man-of-the-match performance when he was given a straight red card for a poor challenge on Carrasco .
Despite being a man down, Barca held on to move above Atletico into fourth place in La Liga and extend their unbeaten run in the league to seven matches.