Big-hearted friendly opens Barca's post-Neymar era

BARCELONA - Barcelona eased into life without Neymar on Monday by honoring Chapecoense, the Brazilian side still reeling from a devastating plane crash that killed 19 players and 24 club officials last year.

On an emotional night that saw Barca score a 5-0 friendly victory, Chapecoense was captained by Alan Ruschel, one of only three players to survive the crash, on his return to action.

All proceeds from the match will "help Chapecoense rebuild institutionally and recover the competitive level it had before the tragedy", Barca said in a statement.