Barcelona managed a comprehensive victory over Celta Vigo to make it two wins in a row as they look to take the league title back from Real Madrid come next May. The Catalan giants thrashed Villarreal in their first La Liga game of the season and continued their impressive form against an average Celta side.
Youngster Ansu Fati was in thick of things again as he scored the opening goal of the game with a brilliant finish.
Even though Clement Lenglet received a red card in the first half, the visitors managed a clean sheet with 10 men and also found the back of the net two more times after the break through a Lucas Olaza own goal and a late Sergi Roberto strike.
So, here are the three talking points from the game.
#3 Lionel Messi in sublime form
Lionel Messi was in inspiring form as he made the Celta Vigo defenders look like school kids. The Argentinian magician’s fancy footwork led to Barcelona’s second goal shortly after the restart as his right-footed effort was redirected into the goal by Celta’s Lucas Olaza after Messi tip-toed his way into the penalty area.
A goalmouth scramble led to Barcelona’s third goal when Sergi Roberto smashed home a volley from close range following another incisive run into the area by Messi, who wreaked havoc in the Celta defence.
Lionel Messi also had a goal disallowed for offside when he looked to be level, but the Blaugrana were not to be denied another three points in the end.
#2 Barcelona’s defence a worry
Barcelona may have managed to keep a clean sheet on the night but their defence was very shaky and the scoreline could have been different if they had a formidable opponent.
The pairing of Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique looks outdated and the duo seriously lack pace.
On top of that, Lenglet was sent off for the fourth time in all competitions since signing for the Catalan giants – more than any other player since the 2018-19 season.
Having already signed right-back Sergino Dest from Ajax, Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman will surely be eager to bring in a centre-back, with Eric Garcia still reportedly a target.
#1 Ansu Fati is the future
Barcelona wasted no time in taking the lead through teenager Ansu Fati, who made a clever move to get behind the Celta Vigo defence before flashing his class with an even better finish with the outside of his right foot.
Starting on the left-wing, the youngster kept the Celta Vigo defence guessing all night long. He opened the scoring for Barcelona just before the 10-minute mark with a sublime finish following Philippe Coutinho’s assist.
The two combined well throughout the night and showed glimpses of Barcelona’s future and their style of play.
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