SPANISH LA LIGA:The Tito Vilanova era at Camp Nou began with help from a familiar face, as talismanic forward Lionel Messi led Barcelona to a 5-1 win over Real Sociedad last night.

While Real Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Valencia earlier, Vilanova picked up where predecessor Pep Guardiola left off, dominating beleaguered Basque opponents from start to finish during an emphatic victory.

Carles Puyols header gave Barca the lead after four minutes, only for Chory Castro to restore parity with an opportunistic finish moments later. But then Messi took over, scoring a pair of poachers efforts in the 11th and 16th minutes to give the Catalans a lead they would never relinquish.

Pedro added the fourth just before half-time and Barcas perfect beginning to the season was completed by the return of David Villa from injury, with the Spain international marking his comeback with the home sides fifth and final goal, six minutes from the end.

Earlier Gonzalo Higuain gave Real Madrid a 10th minute lead from Angel Di Marias cross and, in stifling temperatures, Jose Mourinhos side comfortably held Valencia at bay until just before the break when Valencia, sporting a host of new faces, levelled when Jonas headed in from a free kick.