FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman unleashed an unorthodox system and left out the club’s two biggest signings for Tuesday’s La Liga trip to Real Valladolid but the plan paid off as his side put in one of their best performances in a 3-0 win.

Needing a response to a sluggish 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday, the Dutch coach dropped the misfiring pair of Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho and deployed a 3-5-2 formation seldom used by a Barca side.

The move could hardly have gone better, as Barcelona dominated the midfield and full backs Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest had the freedom to fly forward and join the attack.“For this game we changed our formation to give us more security at the back and make the most of the quality of our full backs,” Koeman said after the victory.

“At the same time, we were able to build plays without any problems and have a lot of possession and players running between the lines. We saw a team that meant business and we created many opportunities.”

Koeman also played down the fact he had left out Coutinho and Griezmann, who cost the club a combined $341.10 million but have struggled to make a big impact in the team.

“It says that we have a lot of competition in our side and a very strong squad,” he said.

Lionel Messi set up the opening goal for Clement Lenglet, contributed to the build-up play when Martin Braithwaite hit the second and scored the third himself.

Key to the Argentine’s display was his understanding with midfielder Pedri, 18, who laid on the pass for Messi’s goal, which broke Pele’s club scoring record.

Juventus stunned

Turin: Champions Juventus suffered their first Serie A defeat of the season when they crashed 0-3 at home to lowly Fiorentina after having Juan Cuadrado sent off after 18 minutes on Tuesday.

Dusan Vlahovic gave the visitors the lead before Alex Sandro put through an own goal and Martin Caceres added the third.