Barcelona travelled to Celta Vigo on Tuesday looking to stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga table to four points.
The away side entered the break with a one-goal lead courtesy of an early strike from Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez.
The lead was 2-0 in the early stages of the second half when Cesc Fabregas found the back of the net from outside the box, before the Spanish international added his second moments later.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Vigo as Celta Vigo welcome Barcelona. The home side will enter the match full of confidence having ended in a recent winless run with a 5-0 success in Malaga at the weekend. As it stands, they currently sit in 15th position in the table on nine points.
Barcelona, meanwhile, moved six points clear of Real Madrid at the weekend with a 2-1 success in the first Clasico of the season. The Catalan outfit have won nine of their 10 La Liga matches this season, with their only dropped points coming in a goalless draw against Osasuna. Another three points this evening would give them more space at the top of the division.
Celta will certainly take confidence from their performance against Barcelona in the corresponding match last season, with the two sides sharing the points in a 2-2 draw. That said, Barcelona have won four of the last five matches between the two sides. Their last win in this stadium came with a 3-2 success in August 2006.
TEAMS:
CELTA VIGO: Yoel; Mallo, Cabral, Fontas, Aurtenetxe; Oubina, Alex Lopez; Rafinha, Augusto, Nolito; Charles
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Puyol, Bartra, Adriano; Fabregas, Song, Busquets; Pedro, Sanchez, Messi
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Celta XI this evening with Nolito, Charles and Rafinha all selected. Barcelona are much-changed from El Clasico, however, with Marc Bartra, Alex Song, Alexis Sanchez, Carlos Puyol and Pedro all coming into the team. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
It is a full house inside the stadium this evening, which is not much of a surprise with Barcelona in town. As expected, the away side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, but the first free kick comes the way of Celta as Dani Alves fells Nolito just inside the Celta half.
Brilliant pressing from Celta in the early stages as Adriano is forced to kick straight into the crowd just outside his own box. Celta secured a point in a 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture last season and I just have a feeling that they could spring a surprise this evening. Plenty of attacking intent from the home side thus far.
Celta boss Luis Enrique is a former Barcelona midfielder and former coach of their B team, therefore you can be sure that his Celta side will be nice and organised this evening. Hugo Mallo takes matters into his own hands as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Bright opening six minutes of football in Vigo.
Half-chance for Charles as the Celta striker, who scored 32 times for Almeria in the Segunda Division last season, attempts to escape Puyol, but the offside flag is raised. It is a surprise to se Busquets and Song in the same Barcelona midfield this evening. Not too much from the likes of Messi, Pedro and Sanchez thus far.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 0-1 Barcelona (Sanchez)
Barcelona take the lead with nine minutes on the clock as Sanchez is first on the scene to slide past Yoel after the goalkeeper had kept out a low effort from Pedro. Poor defending from the home side. Barcelona open the scoring with their first real attack.
Barcelona have taken control of the possession since opening the scoring with Celta chasing shadows. It is the worst possible start for Celta, who had pressed well in the early stages. Fabregas attempts to find the run of Sanchez moments later, but Cabral is out to collect, before Messi is just caught offside.
It's good football from Lopez as the Celta midfielder combines with Rafinha before attempting to find Nolito inside the box, but Puyol makes a fine challenge at the vital moment. Sanchez has an effort down the other end moments later, but Cabral is on hand to make the save. End-to-end football with 15 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona are in complete control of proceedings here. Celta's threat is mainly coming on the break, but they have not been cute enough in the final third thus far. Even though it is early, another goal for Barcelona could put this one to bed before it has really started.
Half-chance for the home side as Nolito strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting corner is delivered into the area, but Puyol is on hand to clear. Pedro finds Messi down the other end moments later, but for once the Argentine's control lets him down.
Bartra attempts the spectacular for Barcelona as he meets a corner from Fabregas, but he can only fire his effort high into the stands. Celta attempt to force the issue down the other end, but it is just not happening in the final third. Whereas Barcelona look dangerous every single time they enter the Celta box. Still 1-0 with 22 minutes on the clock in this La Liga fixture.
It's bright work from the home side as Nolito breaks down the right before finding Fernandez inside the box, but his effort is straight into the body of Puyol. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Barcelona break down the other end, but Fabregas cannot find Messi outside the box. Celta are affording Barca a lot of space here.
Opportunity for Barcelona to threaten from a free kick as Sanchez is felled by Rafinha outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Messi, but his effort takes a deflection off the wall before moving high and wide of the crossbar. I cannot remember the last time I saw a team give Barcelona so much space in the final third.
It's good work from Charles as the Brazilian collects a long pass from Lopez before turning Bartra inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Lopez. That has certainly raised the atmosphere inside the stadium. Barcelona are down the other end moments later, but Messi's effort is just wide of the post.
CHANCE! Celta come close to levelling the score as Rafinha collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post at the final moment. Much better from Celta, but they continue to leave gaps for Barcelona on the counter attack.
CHANCE! Rafinha again comes close for the home side as he meets a loose ball inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Valdes. You just get the feeling Celta need to score during this spell of pressure. Nolito finds the back of the net moments later, but the referee had blown for a foul.
Barcelona are forced into an early change here as Martin Montoya replaces Adriano, who had been struggling in the last couple of moments. The away side come close to scoring their second moments later as Fabregas dances into the box, but his final effort is blocked by Fontas. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Vigo.
Chance for Celta to threaten from a free kick this time as Alves fells Nolito outside the box, but the resulting set piece from Rafinha is wasted. The noise level is quite sensational inside the stadium as we approach the latter stages of the first period. It has flown past, with just the one goal separating the two sides.
The stop-start period of the match continues as Pedro is brought down by Cabral outside the box, with the defender gaining a yellow card. The resulting set piece is delivered by Messi, but there are no takers at the far post. Little over five minutes of he first period remaining in Vigo.
Barcelona continue to build outside the Celta box as Fabregas combines with Messi, but Cabral is across to clear at the vital moment. The home side cannot clear the danger, however, with Messi attempting to find Pedro, but the Spaniard moved into an offside position. Overall, it has been a positive first period for Celta, but you have to worry about their missed chances.
Half-chance for Nolito to threaten as the Celta striker collects a pass from Rafinha inside the box, but the Spaniard just loses his footing at the vital moment, much to the relief of Alves, who had been up the field. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Celta Vigo 0-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of an early strike from Sanchez. The away side have not had it all their own way, however, with Celta having their moments in an entertaining first period. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had more of the possession with 63%, but both sides have managed four attempts - two of which have been on target. The Catalan outfit opened the scoring with their first real attack after Celta had made a bright start, but it has been a strong response from Luis Enrique's team.
BENCH WATCH: Celta have attacking options on their bench in the shape of Madinda, David Rodriguez, Toni and Santi Mina. Meanwhile, Barcelona's bench is quite incredible. Just the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Neymar in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see Tata Martino alter the shape of his team in the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes from either manager at the interval, but I suspect that will change in the next 20 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that the next goal will be crucial in terms of the final result. Celta get the second period underway.
It was certainly an encouraging first-half performance from the home side, but you have to question their finishing at times. It has been their problem this season - they are strong team, but they struggle to put the ball in the back of the net. Bright start from Barcelona down the right, but Pedro's cross is too high for Fabregas, who had pulled off Fontas.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 0-2 Barcelona (Fabregas)
Barcelona score their second in the early stages of the half as Fabregas's powerful effort hits the crossbar, before rebounding off the back of Yoel and dropping into the back of the net. It is harsh on the Celta goalkeeper there is no question about that.
Again, the goal has come at the worst possible time for Celta, who had made a bright start to the second period. This score could be anything as Celta continue to push numbers forward. As it stands, Barcelona would move nine points clear of third-place Real Madrid. That is some tally at this stage of the campaign.
Celta continue to spread the ball wide as Fernandez collects possession outside the box before finding Charles, but his effort is straight into the arms of Valdes. Celta are not giving in here, but Barcelona are quick on the counter. End-to-end football in Vigo this evening.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 0-3 Barcelona (Fabregas)
Barcelona have their third of the evening as Messi finds Fabregas, who drives into the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. No chance for Yoel. If there was any doubt about the three points, that has now been ended.
Celta respond with their first change of the match as Toni replaces Aurtenetxe. Barcelona have not been at their best this evening, but they lead 3-0 with more than 30 minutes of football remaining. The home side have a number of impressive attacking players, but their defence is very open.
Half-chance for Messi to make it 4-0 as Fabregas finds the Argentine inside the box, but his low effort is saved by Yoel. You can sense the frustration inside the stadium at the moment as Celta continue to lose possession in the final third. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the scoring this evening.
Celta make their second change of the match as 17-year-old Mina replaces Fernandez, who has struggled with the pace of the match in the second period. The former will provide some legs in the final third. Another half-chance for Messi as Pedro finds the Argentine inside the box, but Yoel is out to clear.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona are in total control of proceedings. In truth, this could be anything that they want it to be. However, the champions will want to hold something in reserve for their clash with Espanyol on Friday. That said, they will make a number of changes for that match.
In fairness to the home supporters, they have not stopped their support this evening. That is almost tested once more as Sanchez goes through on goal, but Yoel manages to clear at the vital moment. It would not be a surprise to see Martino make a couple of changes in the latter stages, with Tello expecting to receive a late opportunity to impress.
CROSSBAR! It's good work from Nolito as the Spaniard drives to the edge of the Barcelona box, but Alves fells the Celta striker in the act of shooting. The resulting free kick is taken by the former Barcelona forward, but his effort rattles off the crossbar.
Celta make their third and final change of the evening as Nolito is replaced by Fabian Orellana, who is a Chilean international. The winger will drop straight into the former's position. Barcelona are also preparing to make a change with Iniesta on the sidelines. The news does not get much better for the home side.
Indeed the change is made as Iniesta replaces two-goal Fabregas, who has been stunning this evening. It is 11 years to the day that Iniesta made his first-team debut for Barca. However, he is yet to sign a new deal with the Catalan outfit. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining this evening.
Half-chance for Barcelona to score their fourth as Messi drives at the Celta defence before finding Pedro, but the Spaniard just loses possession at the vital moment. Pedro has another chance moments later, but his effort flashes wide of the post. It would not be a surprise to see more goals in the final stages of this match.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. In truth, this match was over as soon as Fabregas scored Barcelona's second of the evening. Martino has one permitted change remaining, but there is no movement on the bench at the moment.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Messi to open his tally for the evening as the Argentine dances into the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Yoel. It hasn't been the best night for the Argentine, but he is still recovering from a thigh injury that he picked up in the early part of the season.
The fact that the home supporters continue to sing their hearts out this evening tells you everything that you need to know about this club. Celta are in a relegation battle this season make no mistake about that, but they do have the players in attack to move away from trouble. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in Vigo.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Messi as the Argentine drives into the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but it is another fine save from Yoel, who has made a number of smart stops in the second period. Is the fourth goal on its way?
Barcelona make their final change of the match as Tello replaces Sanchez, who opened the scoring this evening. Mina has a half-chance for the away side moments later as the youngster bursts into the box, but somehow Montoya manages to make the challenge.
Tello comes close to scoring Barcelona's fourth as the youngster collects possession inside the box, but he smashes his effort into the side netting. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football, as Messi is denied outside the box once more.
CHANCE! Another fine save from Yoel as the Celta goalkeeper manages to tip Messi's effort high and wide of the crossbar. It has been some second-half performance from the home side's Spanish goalkeeper.
FULL-TIME: Celta Vigo 0-3 Barcelona
So there we have it. Fabregas scores twice as Barcelona pick up all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
