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La Liga | Gameweek 36
May 4, 2019 at 7.45pm UK
 
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Gomez (67'), Aspas (88' pen.)
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Lionel Messi among eight Barcelona players rested for Celta clash

:Headline: Lionel Messi among eight Barcelona players rested for Celta clash: ID:358168: from db_amp
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are among the first-team regulars who will be rested.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde insists his team are not taking Celta Vigo lightly, despite his decision to rest eight senior players for Saturday's away match.

Barca have already secured the LaLiga title and are on the brink of a place in the Champions League final as well as preparing for the final of the Copa del Rey.

Lionel Messi will be rested at Celta, along with Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

However Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Arturo Vidal, Arthur and keeper Jasper Cillessen are among those expected to feature.

According to Marca, Valverde said: "We're treating this game the same as the others.

"We're going to try to get three points. We've put in lots of effort in the last three weeks and we're going to make changes because it's necessary to.

"It's clear that we got a good result (in the 3-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg victory over Liverpool) but the tie isn't over, far from it.

Lionel Messi, who scored twice in the Champions League win over Liverpool, will not play against Celta Vigo (Emilio Morenatti/AP).

"We know this because we watch Liverpool regularly, we know what they're capable of.

"Although there will be time to worry about (Liverpool), I know we can't lose focus on the tie, but now we have to concentrate on (Celta).

"I could use (Cillessen) in these games. Each time there's a possibility, he's played a match, like he didn't last year. We're happy with him, he's a great goalkeeper and I know that the goalkeeper position is very special."

Holland international Jasper Cillessen is in line to start in goal for Barcelona (Nigel French/PA).

Valverde also reminded his team that their past three visits to Celta have resulted in two defeats and a draw, adding: "We lost here last year.

"We made changes in the league and cup, I remember. It's the first opportunity to change the dynamic."

Celta manager Fran Escriba has taken encouragement from Barca's team selection, telling his club's official website: "We are aware that Rakitic and Busquets are not coming due to a suspension. It's a good opportunity for us because we believe we can beat any team."

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16AlavesAlaves2869133242-1027
17Valencia2769123045-1527
18Leganes2769122440-1627
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2867153247-1525
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416
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