Barcelona vs. Osasuna: Barca Regains Dominant Form in Blowout

Barcelona had looked like just another team in their two matches leading up to Saturday's contest against Osasuna. For Barcelona, that is a prolonged slump. Consider that prolonged slump over.

They looked more like a football team sent from the heavens who we have grown accustomed to seeing as they took down an over-matched Osasuna squad 8-0.

Barcelona rode into this game on the heels of two unimaginable 2-2 draws. One against Real Sociedad and one against Milan. The whispers had already begun: What's wrong with Barca?

The Barca stars made sure they wouldn't have to continue to listen to those whispers. Lionel Messi began and ended this match in style. He scored a goal in the fifth minute to open scoring and added one in the 79th minute to close scoring. He also threw one in in the 41st minute to pick up a hat trick.

Cesc Fabregas and Xavi each pitched in a goal, while David Villa knocked in two.

Not to be left out, Osasuna got into the goal scoring party the only way they could, by netting one against themselves. And, just like that it was 8-0.

Back are the days of seeming invincibility for Barca. Their front line cannot be stopped, and their back line can stand up to anyone.

The recent draws now seem more a function of sleep walking than any kind of problems with talent or scheme. This is likely something they will have to battle this season, and that is the fight with complacency and boredom.

Easy victories can sap this team of its edge, and even as talented a club as Barca will struggle when they overlook an opponent.

As they showed today, though, it would be foolish to expect those struggles to last.