The 2008-09 campaign was one to remember for those of a Barcelona persuasion.

During what was Pep Guardiola's first season at the helm, the Catalans swept aside virtually all that was put before them. Not only did they win the Champions League and Copa del Rey, they also finished top of La Liga by a healthy nine-point margin from rivals Real Madrid.

In their 38 league games, Barca came out victorious on 27 occasions and were defeated only five times. They also found the net 105 times and shipped just 35 goals, which gave them a goal difference of +75 - Madrid finished on +31.

Having collected just one point from their opening two outings of the season, Guardiola's men won eight league matches on the bounce ahead of their trip to struggling Recreativo de Huelva seven years ago today.

Another routine triumph was expected in Southern Spain, but to the home side's credit, they frustrated their illustrious opponents during the opening 45 minutes at the Estadio Nuevo Colombino.

However, a moment of pure imagination in the 51st minute saw the away side break the deadlock. It seemed that for all intents and purposes Dani Alves was going to go for goal with a free kick from 30 yards out.

However, as the Brazilian advanced, Xavi quickly played a pass through for Lionel Messi, who had taken up a position on the blindside of the five-man Recreativo wall. The Argentine took one touch, before spinning around to lash a rising shot inside Asier Riesgo's near post.

The away side continued to carve out openings as the second half progressed, but it was not until four minutes from time that the points were made safe.

From the left flank Thierry Henry sent a cross towards the back post, where Samuel Eto'o volleyed goalwards. Riesgo thwarted the Cameroonian striker with a diving save to his right, but Seydou Keita was on hand to turn in the rebound from close range.

Barca created one more chance before the final whistle when Alves's cross was met by the head of Bojan Krkic, but the youngster saw his effort crash against the crossbar.

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Guardiola said: "It was an important victory in a very tight game. Recreativo, since the arrival of Lucas Alcaraz, is a team that has conceded few goals and is very organized, as demonstrated on this occasion."

Recreativo: Riesgo; Arzo, Poli, Beto, Morris; Bouzon, Vazquez, Sisi (Ruben), Aitor (Camunas), Colunga; Guerrero (Akale)

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Marquez, Pique, Puyol (Sylvinho); Busquets, Toure (Keita), Xavi; Messi, Henry, Eto'o (Bojan)