Neymar inspired Brazil to a crushing Confederations Cup victory over World and European champions Spain in the Maracana.
The Barcelona superstar scored a stunning strike just before the break and his goal was sandwiched by two Fred goals early in each half, the first a scrappy affair and the second a neat curled finish.
Spain did not help themselves, with Sergio Ramos missing a penalty before fellow centre back Gerard Pique was sent off.
Job done: Brazil’s players lift the trophy after a sensational performance against the world champions Spain
Say cheese: David Luiz poses with the trophy after the ceremony at the Maracana
Star of the show: Neymar lived up to his ever-growing reputation with a stunning show of his talents
Not quite: Colombian singer Shakira was in Rio to watch her boyfriend Gerard Pique in action
Letting fly: Neymar rifles a shot into the roof of the net as Iker Casillas scrambles to keep it out
Basking in the glory: Chelsea’s Oscar and Neymar jump into the home crowd after the second goal
Tormentor: Neymar ran tirelessly at Ramos and the Spain back four in a sensational showing
And they’re off: Fred scored a close-range effort early on in the match
Flare up: Thiago Silva points a finger in the face of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar tipped Andres Iniesta’s long-range curler away from goal, Torres heading the resulting corner just wide of the near post.
Ramos was booked for hauling down Oscar on the edge of the box, with Hulk blazing wide from the free-kick, while Fred spurned a glorious chance when teed up by Neymar.
David Luiz saved Brazil with a remarkable sliding goalline clearance after a fluent Spanish break ended with Pedro curling the ball past Cesar.
It was a timely intervention as Neymar doubled Brazil’s lead a minute before half-time, hammering the ball inside Casillas’s near post after exchanging passes with Oscar on the edge of the box.
See you later: Cesar Azpilicueta (left) can only watch as Fred nets his second and his side’s third
Come here, you: Neymar and Fred celebrate the third of the evening at the Maracana
Fit of pique: Gerard Pique was red-carded for a foul on his new Barcelona team-mate Neymar
Nice to meet you: Gerard Pique was red-carded for a foul on his new team-mate Neymar
Almost another: Hulk (right) is charged down by Casillas as the Zenit St Petersburg striker tries a lob
Flying high: Marcelo (left) tries to keep the ball away from Spain’s Xavi
Bad to worse: Sergio Ramos looks perplexed after sending his penalty wide of the left post
One for the future? A Brazil fan holds up a mock World Cup trophy as he watches his side take control in Rio
All smiles: A Brazilian fan watches on as Brazil win the Confederations Cup
Things got even worse for Spain when Pique was shown a straight red card for chopping down his new club-mate Neymar, who curled the free-kick just over.
Ramos shot wide again before resuming his defensive duties to block Fred’s shot. Neymar was then crowded out when unable to pass the ball with Fred yards offside. The latter’s hat-trick hopes disappeared in that moment as he was swiftly replaced by Jo.
Cesar made a superb reflex save from Pedro’s powerful effort and Ramos, strangely Spain’s primary attacking threat, headed Xavi’s corner well wide.
Villa drew another good diving save from Cesar but Brazil were otherwise able to play out the closing stages with no alarms.
Friend or foe? David Luiz (right) chases down his Chelsea team-mate Fernando Torres
Still raising a smile: Pop star Shakira watches as her boyfriend Pique’s side lose and is he sent off
Tempers flare: Players from both sides clash during the first half
Extraordinary: David Luiz slid to clear Pedro’s effort off the line showing incredible athleticism
Humbled: Andres Iniesta and Torres look reluctant to re-start the game after the third goal of the night
Drink it in: Brazil’s players celebrate in front of their own fans after securing the victory
Contrast: David Villa sits on the pitch after Spain were humbled at the Maracana
Familiar face: Sepp Blatter was at the Maracana to watch as Brazil brought Spain to their knees
