FC Barcelona B began the season with a 3-1 win over Atlético Saguntino on Saturday thanks to hat-trick from Marc Cardona.

It was a dream start for the no.9 in his first official game for the club – Nili’s cross found Cardona unmarked in the box who then headed home for the opener on 13 minutes. And, on 20 minutes, the same player doubled his tally with a deflected effort.

Barça were about to go into the changing rooms with an ideal scoreline, but just before the break, Atlético halved the deficit with Esteve’s close range strike from a corner.

The visitors emerged in the second period rejuvenated by that goal, and went in full pursuit of a leveler. However, they were unable to make a clear goalscoring chance and José Suárez was not forced into action.

Barça missed a good chance to put the game out of sight on 79 minutes on the counterattack, but Alfaro blazed his effort well over the bar.

It would not prove costly in the end however, as Cardona sealed his hat-trick in the 90th minute to tie up a big three points on the opening day.