Barcelona hosted Celta Vigo at Camp Nou, and they managed to continue their juggernaut in the La Liga as they strolled their way to a 2-0 victory.
The home side looked threatening from the offset, and Jordi Alba from the left was the major menace for the most parts of the first half. The first goal came about when Lionel Messi picked out Alba’s late run in the box, and he squared it back to Messi where the rebound was slotted in by Dembele.
Celta Vigo made some breakaways on the counter but they failed to pick the right pass in the final third. Alba and Messi combined again to score the second as the away side were keeping a high line and the Argentine maestro was able to break through the line to give his team a two-goal lead at halftime.
Barca looked a bit off-colour in the second half as they took the foot off the pedal, but that was enough to ensure a clean sheet as they secured a 2-0 win.
Here is how Valverde’s men fared on the night.
Marc Ander Ter Stegen 7
Always looked assured with the ball at his feet. Made a few regulations saves. His handling of the crosses was good.
Nelson Semedo 6.5
Always looked to push on from the right flank. Got in some dangerous areas and had a field day in the offensive half of the pitch.
Gerard Pique 6
Had a slightly dodgy game and was lucky to get a free kick in a dangerous area when he had lost the possession. Looked calm in possession but doesn’t exude much confidence when opposition attacks.
Clement Lenglet 6
Like Pique, had some tough moments in the second half but Celta had lost the cutting edge after Iago Aspas was substituted. Did enough to see out a clean sheet
Jordi Alba 8.5
Almost has a telepathic connection with Messi as his late runs into the box were always a significant threat. Creator of both the goals and worked incredibly hard throughout the game.
Sergio Busquets 7
Distributed the ball well and won back possession quickly when Barcelona were off the ball. A typical performance from the Spanish midfielder.
Arturo Vidal 6.5
Made some late runs in the box from the right. Kept things simple in midfield and always milked the ball forward.
Ivan Rakitic 6
Wasn’t too flashy in his display but didn’t do much wrong either.
Ousmane Dembele 7.5
Seems like he is finally settling into the Barcelona lineup as he put in a commanding performance. An early goal should have helped his confidence as he slotted the ball smartly from a rebound. Looked a constant threat in the attacking third.
Lionel Messi 7
Didn’t look sharp for the most parts in the first half but still got his mandatory goal. Linked up play well with all the front men and especially with Alba. Not his best game but still had a major influence on the match. Just goes to show the standard he has set for himself.
Luis Suarez 6
Worked hard and linked up play well. Often drifted on the left and missed a great chance to get his name on the scoresheet in the second half.
Substitutes
Philippe Coutinho N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Arthur Melo N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Carles Alena N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
