Madrid, Sep 18 (IANS) FC Barcelona bounced back to form this Saturday with an 8-0 destruction of Osasuna in the Spanish Premier Football League.

The Catalans controlled the match from start to finish and could have scored more goals had it not been for having seen three shots hit the woodwork and a fine performance from Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.

Barcelona went into the match with rumors of a crisis following the recent 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad and AC Milan.

However, after 45 minutes it was clear that the rumours of Barcelona's demise were premature as Pep Guardiola's side produced an incredible display of football to romp into a 5-0 lead.

Guardiola's side had enjoyed 85 percent of possession and cruised into the lead thanks to two goals from Leonel Messi, one from Cesc Fabrigas, David Villa and an own goal from Osasuna defender Roversio.

Messi opened the scoring after just four minutes with an easy finish from Dani Alves' headed cross. Nine minutes later he turned provider with a threw ball that Cesc finished past keeper Fernandez.

Fernandez was proving to be his side's best player and did well to deny Villa and Cesc from adding to the lead. However, he was helpless in stopping Villa from scoring after the Barcelona keeper was totally unmarked in the penalty area.

The fourth goal came after Villa again ran through on goal and although Fernandez made a fine save, the rebound hit Roversio to end in the back of the net and there was still time in the half for Messi to slide home the fifth from a Cesc pass.

Barcelona could have let up the pace in the second half, but that didn't stop Messi scoring another goal after a magnificent turn of speed on the edge of the Osasuna penalty area.

He also found time to set Xavi up for a goal, while Villa scored his second of the night to make it a night Barca fans will not forget in a hurry.

It was the joint worst defeat in Osasuna's history. The last time the side from Pamplona had suffered such a defeat was in the 1958-59 season, against Real Madrid.