Champions Barcelona fought back from a goal down to earn a thrilling 3-2 win at Celta Vigo in their opening Primera Liga match of the season on Monday thanks to a late goal by substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen.

The Catalans, bidding for a third consecutive league title, looked to be suffering from the after-effects of Friday's 3-0 mauling at the hands of Sevilla in the European Super Cup as they fell behind to a Fernando Baiano goal just before halftime.

But they fought back in a pulsating second half and quick-fire goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi [Images] rounded off by Gudjohnsen's last-gasp strike earned Frank Rijkaard's side a dramatic win.

Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid [Images] were held 0-0 at home to Villarreal on Sunday while Valencia, one of the other favourites for the title, won 2-1 against visiting Real Betis on Saturday.

HESITANT START

Barca, missing Ronaldinho [Images] who picked up a leg injury in the heavy defeat by Sevilla, made a hesitant start against Celta who hounded them down in midfield and looked sharp on the break.

The home side gave the European champions several scares late in the first half and took the lead three minutes before the break after sharp work by Brazilian forwards Nene and Baiano.

Barca keeper Victor Valdes blocked a low shot from Nene after he had cut inside centre back Rafael Marquez and Baiano was on hand to stab the ball into the net.

The goal brought Barca out of their shell and they looked far more lively at the start of the second half.

Last season's leading scorer Eto'o put the visitors back on level terms when he drilled in low past Pinto after beating the offside trap with a slick one-two with the live-wire Messi.

Four minutes later Messi put the visitors in front when he turned away from his marker and fired home after Andres Iniesta surged through the midfield and burst past four Celta players.

But the celebrations were short-lived as Celta midfielder Gustavo Lopez snapped the ball home after the Barca back four had failed to deal with a free kick from Angel Lopez.

Both sides kept pushing for the win but Celta were reduced to 10 men three minutes from time when midfielder Iriney was dismissed after a second booking and Barca took immediate advantage to snatch the win.

Iceland striker Gudjohnsen, who joined from Chelsea in the close season, controlled a lofted pass from Deco with his chest and volleyed home at the second attempt after his first effort had spun off the foot of a Celta defender.

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