Barcelona forward David Villa, who suffered a broken leg at last December's Club World Cup and missed Spain's Euro 2012 victory, returned to action in Barcelona's La Liga opener and scored in a 5-1 rout of Real Sociedad.

Spain's all-time leading scorer (51 goals) replaced Pedro in the 74th minute to a huge Camp Nou ovation and scored 10 minutes later.

"It has been a difficult time and it is nice to be back," Villa said. "I am pleased to be able to say I can forget about the injury now. I have had five weeks training at the maximum level but my body still struggles to reach the levels necessary to play more minutes. I'll keep on working until I can eventually play a full game again."

During his goal celebration, Villa pulled off his shirt to reveal a vest with "Impossible without you" written on it above a photo of his wife and children: "Because of me, I am sure it has been a difficult time for them as well," he added in reference to his dedication.