Skip to main content

Barcelona 6 Celta Vigo 1: Messi, Suarez inspire extraordinary demolition

Barcelona restored their three-point lead at the top of La Liga with a stunning 6-1 victory over Celta Vigo that saw Lionel Messi provide Luis Suarez with his hat-trick rather than score from the spot to reach a personal milestone.

Having seen Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid win earlier in the weekend, Barca could ill-afford a slip-up against a Celta side who won the reverse fixture 4-1 at Balaidos in September.

Messi and Suarez combined wonderfully for Barca's second prior to Suarez completing his brace, which came about after clever play from Messi to set up Neymar's assist.

However, he elected to lay the ball off for Suarez's hat-trick, with Ivan Rakitic's clever lob and Neymar's calm finish capping a stunning period of attacking football from Luis Enrique's men, who moved clear at the top in style.

Sergio's opposite number Claudio Bravo got down smartly to his left to save Carlos Plana's effort but the former Barca man then conceded the free-kick that led to Messi's opener.

However, Alba clumsily clipped Guidetti in the area seven minutes before half-time, allowing the Sweden international to restore parity with an emphatic equaliser down to Bravo's right.

Messi almost restored Barca's lead within two minutes of the restart when he angled an effort onto the post following an impressive virtuoso run and pass from Neymar.

The hosts were back in front through Suarez thanks to a trademark moment of Barca brilliance, the Uruguayan controlling Messi's perfect chipped pass and slotting home on the half-volley.

Having ended a spirited Celta stand, Barca's attacking trident all had a hand in the third goal - Messi finding Neymar, whose effort from a difficult angle rolled toward the line before being stabbed home by Suarez.

 

-Luis Suarez has scored 12 goals in his last five games for Barcelona at Camp Nou (all competitions).
-Lionel Messi has scored more direct free-kick goals than any other La Liga player this season (five, all competitions).
-Luis Suarez was involved in five of Barcelona's six goals in this league game against Celta. 
-Celta Vigo have scored more goals against Barcelona under Luis Enrique than any other team in La Liga (six goals in four meetings).
-Lionel Messi has scored five direct free-kick goals this season, more than in any other single campaign for Barcelona (all competitions). 
-Barcelona have conceded their first penalty in La Liga this season. 
-Lionel Messi has scored his 299th goal in La Liga. 
-John Guidetti is the first player to score a penalty goal against Barcelona in La Liga since Alberto Bueno in March 2015.
-Barcelona have hit the woodwork 19 times in La Liga this season, at least six more than any other side.