The victory eased the pressure on manager Josep Guardiola, who collected a single point from his first two league games.

Xavi Hernandez, 27, Samuel Eto'o, 33, Seydou Keita, 49, Andreas Iniesta, 71, and a brace from Lionel Messi, 85 and 90, crushed the hosts.

Francisco Maldonado scored Gijon's only goal in the 50th minute.