With the La Liga title in the bag, Barcelona faced Celta Vigo at the Balaidos with a drastically changed side. It was clear that Ernesto Valverde had his side’s trip to Anfield in mind as the likes of Pique, Messi, Suarez and Busquets were not even on the bench.
The home team gave a good account of themselves in the first half as they matched Barcelona. The La Liga holders might have had more possession, but Celta looked threatening while going forward as they piled on the pressure on the inexperienced Barca side. Both teams went in level at half time, and the away side had Cilliessen to thank for it.
Celta thought they had scored in the second half, but VAR ruled out the goal due to a marginal offside. The home side were banging on Barcelona’s door, and finally, they were rewarded as Maxi Gomez finished well from the right to give his team the lead. The away team were never really in the game, and Celta always looked like scoring more. Late on in the game, Iago Aspas converted from the spot to give his side a comfortable win.
Jasper Cillessen 7
Top performance from the Dutchman as he kept his side in the game. Lucky to get away with one as he spilled a ball right in the path of the attacker, but the goal was ruled out due to offside.
Jean-Clair Todibo 3
Looked at sixes and sevens at the back. Got a yellow card and was substituted around the 70th-minute mark.
Samuel Umtiti 3
Was supposed to lead the inexperienced side at the back but the World Cup winner also struggled on the evening. Clearly shows why Valverde prefers Lenglet over him.
Thomas Vermaelen 4
Played as a left back but couldn’t provide much while going forward. Like his other team-mates, he had a hard time defensively and is partially to be blamed for the first goal.
Moussa Wagué 6
Worked hard down the right as Barcelona’s attack were usually coming down his side of the flank. Made some good crosses.
Arthur 6
Kept the possession well but wasn’t able to do something meaningful with it in the final third.
Carles Aleñá 6
Had some bright moments in the attacking third but never really managed to produce that telling moment.
Malcom 4
Frustrating performance from Malcom in a rare start as he gave the ball away cheaply on occasions. Was lacking the killer instinct in the final third.
Riqui Puig 5
Was all over the pitch as he tried to make things happen. Showed impressive energy but no end product from him in the end.
Kevin-Prince Boateng 5.5
Maybe for games of these nature, Barcelona got him in January. Was left isolated for the most parts. Had some neat touches but overall a frustrating match for the former Spurs man.
Ousmane Dembele N/A
Unlucky that he had to be substituted inside 10 minutes due to injury.
Substitute
Alex Collado 5.5
Came on to replace Dembele and was just about alright in his displays. Made some good link up plays but nothing too threatening.
Jeison Murillo 4
Struggled to cope up with Celta Vigo’s counter-attacks as he was often stretched and out of position.
Arturo Vidal 6
Provided the energy which his side lacked after coming on but it was too late by then.
