Barcelona welcomed Celta Vigo to the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening knowing that three points would move them to the top of the La Liga table, for a couple of hours at least.
The Catalan outfit were ahead inside six minutes when Neymar converted from close range, before Lionel Messi made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark.
Neymar then made it 3-0 after 67 minutes as the Spanish champions secured all the points in comfortable fashion.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 30 in La Liga opens from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo. The home side will enter the match full of confidence following Sunday's 4-3 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, with that result moving them to one point of first spot in the table. Celta, however, suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Malaga last time out, but Luis Enrique's side remain in 12th position. The team news is already in...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Valdes; Adriano, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Song, Iniesta, Cesc; Sanchez, Messi, Neymar
CELTA: Yoel; Cabral, Mallo, Fontas, Aurtenetxe; Castro, Fernandez; Orellana, Lopez, Madinda; Mina
So there we have it. Adriano and Marc Bartra come into the Barcelona defence this evening, while there is also a start in midfield for Alex Song. Dani Alves, Pedro and Sergio Busquets, however, are all on the bench. Celta, meanwhile, are without attacking midfielder Rafinha - who is on loan from Barca - due to injury. Santi Mina gets the nod as the lone forward, with Brazilian striker Charles left on the bench.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won four of the last five matches, with the further result ending in a draw. As mentioned, the reverse match earlier this season ended in a 3-0 Barcelona win, but the points were shared in a 2-2 draw when Celta hosted Barcelona last season.
Defeat to Real Madrid in the Clasico at the weekend would have left Barcelona seven points behind Los Blancos with just nine games of the campaign remaining. However, a Lionel Messi hat-trick helped his side pick up a vital win. Barcelona's home record this season, meanwhile, has been extremely strong with 12 wins from 13 matches, with Valencia the only side to claim maximum points at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona's last home league game, meanwhile, ended in a 7-0 thumping of Osasuna, where Messi also netted a treble. With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid not competing until later this evening, three points for Gerardo Martino's side in this clash would see them return to the top of the table. However, Barca have suffered defeat in the league this month, with Real Valladolid 1-0 winners on March 8.
Goals have not been a problem for Barcelona this season with 85 in their 29 matches, which is five more than Real Madrid. Celta, meanwhile, have registered 33 times this season. Down the other end, Barcelona have the second best defensive record (25 conceded) behind Atletico Madrid, while Celta have conceded 41 times.
Just one goal in Celta's last four home matches has seen Enrique's side lose the momentum that they gained in January and early February, but they did win their last La Liga game on the road – a 1-0 success over Levante on March 15. As it stands, they sit in 12th spot in the table, just five points from the bottom three, which is an indication of the closeness in the bottom half of the division with just nine games remaining.
Celta's away form has been strong this season with six wins from their 14 matches, which is the most in the bottom half of the table. It is also more than Athletic Bilbao, who currently sit fourth. However, Celta have not drawn on the road in the league this season, suffering eight defeats from their 14 matches.
PREDICTION: Following El Clasico at the weekend, Barcelona will enter the match full of confidence. Celta have played some great stuff this season, but you just worry whether they will see enough of the ball this evening to really hurt the hosts. In truth, I am expecting a comfortable three points for Martino's side. My score prediction is 3-0 Barcelona, which would see them return to the top of the table.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Celta need to ride out the opening 20 minutes or so if they are to take something from the match. Barca get the action underway.
Of course, tonight also sees the return of Celta boss Luis Enrique to the Camp Nou. The Spaniard represented the Catalan outfit as a player from 1996 until 2004, before taking charge of the B team for three years from 2008. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. Celta will certainly have to do a lot of chasing this evening.
This evening is also the 1000th La Liga match at the Camp Nou. The famous ground, which opened in 1957, has hosted 999 games at the top level of Spanish football, with the home side winning 754 of those particular matches. Fairly muted atmosphere in the early exchanges as Barca continue to keep the ball.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Messi converts following a through pass from Iniesta, but the Argentine had just moved into an offside position at the final moment.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Celta (Neymar)
Barcelona open the scoring inside six minutes as Sanchez collects a through pass from Messi before squaring for Neymar, who cannot miss from close range. That will do the Brazilian the world of good.
Just a reminder that Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are both in action later this evening, therefore it is vital that Barcelona pick up the three points. They have made the perfect start, with Celta simply struggling to keep hold of the ball. Another goal for the home side and it could be curtains, even this early.
Another warning for Celta as Iniesta finds Messi inside the box, but flag is raised once more. Celta just cannot get in the match at the moment as Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball. Another half-chance for the home side moments later as Neymar finds Sanchez inside the box, but Mallo is across to clear at the vital moment. It remains 1-0 with 12 minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Another half-chance for the home side as Adriano finds some space outside the box before attempting to strike one into the top corner, but Yoel is on hand to make the save. It is attack after attack at the moment as Celta continue to drop. Moments later, Neymar just fails to connect with a Adriano whipped cross.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Neymar as Sanchez beats the offside trap before sliding in Messi, who in turn finds Neymar, but the Brazilian just strikes wide of the post from a tight angle.
CHANCE! Barcelona come close to their second once more as Messi drives into the heart of the Celta defence before attempting to slide one into the bottom corner, but somehow Yoel makes a fine stop.
Well, 20 minutes into proceedings and Barcelona could be 4-0 ahead. Celta have only managed to venture into the Barcelona half on a couple of occasions, while Valdes has not been tested thus far. Sanchez, Messi and Neymar continue to run riot in the final third and a second goal looks to be on its way extremely soon.
CHANCE! Celta have a free kick just outside the box as Adriano, who is booked for his troubles, handles the ball. The referee appears to point for a penalty, but then awards a free kick outside the area. Orellana hits the target with the set piece, but Valdes makes the save at the second time of asking.
It is not good news for Barcelona as Valdes holds his knee before hitting the ground. It does not take long for the home side to make a decision and Jose Pinto will soon enter proceedings. It looks serious.
Valdes is stretchered off the field, with Pinto entering proceedings. In truth, it looks really serious. The Spanish international looks certain to leave the Camp Nou in the summer and he will not want to bow out at this stage. That has just stunted the atmosphere inside the stadium, which is good news for Celta.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Celta to level the scores as Augusto Fernandez finds some space inside the Barcelona box following a corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. Moments later, Cabral hits the deck and it appears that the away side could also be forced into an early change.
Celta have not yet made the change, but it does appear unlikely that Cabral will be able to continue. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and not too much has happened in the last five minutes or so due to the injuries to both Valdes and Cabral.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Celta (Messi)
Barcelona have their second as Messi drives into the box before rounding Yoel and finishing into the bottom corner. Is that game over? It is going to be incredibly difficult for Celta from this position.
Neymar threatens once more as the Brazilian drives into the Celta box before rounding Mallo, but the defender does manage to make a last-ditch challenge. Possession football from the home side as they continue to pass and probe outside the Celta box. Alba delivers towards Sanchez, but Yoel is on hand to collect.
Not too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, with Barcelona coasting through the match in second gear. Celta have a half-chance as Orellana finds some space in the final third, but his effort is straight into the arms of Pinto, who releases Neymar down the other end. Neymar finishes in the bottom corner moments later, but is ruled offside following a brilliant through pass from Messi.
Barcelona continue to force the issue with a series of quick passes in the final third, but Celta manage to clear their lines twice in quick succession, with Cabral and Mallo both making last-ditch challenges. Moments later, the away side are forced into a change as the injured Cabral is replaced by Inigo Lopez.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but the home side continue to dominate possession of the ball. A goal for Celta would certainly hand them hope, but another for Barcelona and it would be curtains. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining in the first 45 minutes.
Just a reminder that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both in action later this evening. As it stands, Barcelona would return to the top of the table, for a couple of hours at least. Good possession for Celta in the last few moments, but they continue to leave themselves open to the Barcelona counter attack.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the first period. Sanchez has another half-chance after striking one from outside the box, but it was always hitting the side netting. Fontas breaks for Celta moments later, but the Spaniard fells Song inside the Barcelona box.
Messi takes matters into his own hands once more after dancing into the Celta box before finding Adriano, who returns the favour, but Jonny is on hand to make a fine challenge at the last moment.
Booking for Alba in the latter stages of the first period as the Barcelona left-back dives into the back of Alex Lopez. The resulting free kick is delivered into the Barcelona box, but it goes out for a goal kick.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-0 Celta
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 2-0. The home side opened the scoring after six minutes when Neymar converted from close range, before Messi made it 2-0 after 30 minutes. In truth, it has been an extremely comfortable first 45 minutes for the Catalan outfit.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have dominated the possession with 72%, while they have had six attempts to Celta's two. The home side have also had two goals disallowed for offside, with Celta taking risks by deploying a high line. Just the one booking, meanwhile, with Alba's name taken late in the half.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of options on their bench this evening in the shape of Pedro, Busquets, Tello, Alves and Roberto. Meanwhile, Celta have the likes of Bermejo, Nolito and Charles in reserve. Both sides have already been forced into one change, however, with Pinto replacing Valdes for Barcelona and Lopez entering in place of Cabral for the visitors.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have live coverage of Sevilla against Atletico Madrid - be sure to remain with me for that. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes of action underway at the Camp Nou.
One change for Barcelona at the interval as Roberto enters the field in place of Iniesta. As a result, the armband has been handed to Messi. No changes from Celta, meanwhile, which is not much of a surprise. Comfortable start to the second period for Barcelona, who have taken control of the early possession.
Shooting chance for Neymar as the Brazilian finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Celta in the second period thus far, with Mina struggling for possession in the final third. In truth, it is almost like a training match for the home side at the moment.
Better from Celta as bright work from Mina forces a corner, but Bartra is on hand to clear the danger. Alex Lopez has possession moments later before delivering a cross towards the far post, but there are no takers. One goal for the away side would certainly change the context of the second period. It remains 2-0 Barca.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for Celta to open their tally for the evening as Fernandez meets a cross from Madinda, but Pinto makes a brilliant close-range save. The Spanish goalkeeper is back to his feet moments later to deny Mina, who had found some space inside the area. Superb from the veteran stopper.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the referee forced into action to deal with a number of late challenges. Celta are certainly growing in confidence as Barcelona take too long on the ball, but you just get the feeling that the home side could move up a gear if needed.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Opportunity for the home side to threaten from a set piece as Neymar is felled just outside the area by Mallo. The resulting free kick is taken by Messi towards Fabregas, who finds the top corner, but the offside flag had been raised. That would have been game, set and match.
Better from Celta in the last few moments with the likes of Fernandez seeing more of the ball in the final third, but Pinto has not been troubled since making that fine double save. Not too much from Barcelona, however, with the home side playing in second gear. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
The attendance has been confirmed at little over 61,000 this evening, which is not much of a surprise for a late mid-week game in Spain. Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Celta are finding it easier to deal with the pressure. For the neutral - a Celta goal would certainly spice this up.
Celta want a penalty as Madinda goes down inside the box under pressure from Neymar, but the referee is not interested. Moments later, the away side make their second change as Bermejo replaces Orellana, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona.
As it stands, Barcelona would move to the top of the table, for a couple of hours at least. Atletico Madrid, who sit first, face Granada at 9pm this evening, while Real Madrid are at Sevilla. The three points are not yet secure for Barcelona tonight, however, as Celta continue to commit numbers in the final third.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Celta (Neymar)
Neymar has his second of the evening as the Brazilian collects a long pass from Sanchez before cutting into the box and thrashing one into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the former Santos youngster.
It has not quite happened for Neymar in 2014, but his two goals this evening will do him the world of good. Barcelona have suddenly clicked into gear once more as Fabregas looks for the run of Sanchez, but it just runs away from the Chilean at the vital moment. It could yet get worse for the away side.
Barcelona make their third and final change of the match as Pedro enters the field in place of Neymar, who has been impressive this evening. Domination from Barcelona at the moment as the Catalan outfit continue to keep possession of the ball. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Sanchez to score Barcelona's fourth following a through pass from Pedro, but Jonny is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. It would not be a surprise to see the home side improve their tally in the latter stages this evening. Moments later, Celta make their third and final change as former Barcelona defender Fontas is replaced by Oubina.
CHANCE! Celta come close to scoring their first of the evening following a slip from Pinto, but Bermejo does not have the pace to prevent the ball from trickling out of play. Pinto appears to have a problem following the challenge, which is not good news following the loss of Valdes in the first period.
Pinto finally returns to his feet, which is good news for the home side. Celta continue to force numbers into the final third, but Barcelona remain a threat on the counter attack. Little over 10 minutes remaining.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as late challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. Not too much to report in terms of chances, meanwhile, with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. It remains 3-0 Barcelona.
Fabregas tries his luck after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It has not happened for the Spanish international this evening. Celta break down the other end with Fernandez, but Song is across to make the challenge. End-to-end football at the Camp Nou as Alba fires just wide of the Celta post following an extended period of Barcelona pressure.
Mallo becomes the latest name to enter the book following a poor challenge on Pedro. Moments before, Pinto had been forced into a smart save to deny Mina. Celta continue to commit numbers in the Barcelona half, but the home side are comfortable in defensive areas. Little under five minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Barcelona come close to their fourth following a sustained period of pressure inside the Celta box. Roberto finds some space before striking towards goal, but Yoel is down to make a smart save.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Not too much happening to be honest as Barcelona continue to keep hold of the ball. Just a reminder to remain with me for live coverage of Sevilla against Real Madrid, which will kickoff at 9pm.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Celta
So there we have it. Barcelona move to the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Celta, who remain 12th. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
