After having to share top spot with Atletico Madrid for a short spell, Barcelona struck out on their own once again by beating Celta Vigo.
Match Report
Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo as Ernesto Valverde's side restored their three-point lead at the summit of LaLiga.
With Atletico Madrid having won earlier in the day to move level at the top, Barca reasserted their authority as first-half goals from Ousmane Dembele and Messi paved the way for a routine victory at Camp Nou.
Messi was again at the heart of the hosts' best play, his shot being parried to the feet of the grateful Dembele to apply the finish inside the opening 10 minutes.
The Argentina star got in on the act himself in the final minute of the first half as Barca all but sealed the points before the interval.
Match Events
10' GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Celta (Dembele)
GOAL! 1-0 BARCELONA! Messi drops deep and finds Alba with a wonderful ball. The left-back crosses quickly back to Messi, whose snapshot is saved by Blanco diving low! Unfortunately, the keeper can't hold the ball and Dembele smashes the ball into the net from close range.
45' GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Celta (Messi)
GOAL! 2-0 Barca. Messi fires home with a powerful curling shot after a quick ball from Alba finds him running free through the middle.
Player Ratings
Line-ups
Barcelona XI: L. Messi, L. Suárez, Piqué, I. Rakitić, Vidal, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, M. ter Stegen, Lenglet, Semedo, O. Dembélé
Subs: Philippe Coutinho, Jasper Cillessen, D.Suárez, Arthur, Carles Aleñá, Chumi Brandariz, Juan Miranda
Celta XI: Iago Aspas, Mallo, O. Yokuşlu, N. Araújo, R. Mazáň, Jozabed, Rubén Blanco, S.Boufal, David Costas, B.Méndez, M. Gómez
Subs: Cabral, Kevin Vázquez, Sergio Álvarez, Hjulsager, Lobotka, P. Sisto, Fran Beltrán
Zopcdelst
305
I didn't like what Suarez,messi and Alba were doing coz they were even refusing to give the ball to dembele I don't know the reason is it because they are looking a position for countnho
BarcelonaManCityFC
282
ANOTHER WIN FOR THE KINGS OF THE WORLD!! I’m gonna be honest here... Dembele man of the match. Messi was missing that little bit that makes him special today. Not at his best. BUT WE STILL WON!! THIS SEASON IS OURS!!! Btw Suarez can’t do anything, he can’t pass, he can’t score, he can’t even dribble. He can only nibble (see what I did there ayyyy)
shray_srivastava
260
Everytime Dembele scores a goal, the future seems even darker for Coutinho, Valverde needs to play him midfield, the position he was originally brought for, he was brought to replace Iniesta, & was only playing upfront to fill the void because Dembele wasn't playing well, now that Dembele has got his feet, Coutinho needs to be brought back as a LCM, the place where he plays for his National side.
Mosanya
253
Talking points of the match 1 Suarez is not preforming well still the same, maybe Barca should sell him. 2 Coutinho seems unhappy on the pitch, he was still better than Suarez , the manager should start using him. 3 Messi and dembele scored and I am happy for both. 4 Great win for the team, we continue. #visca El Barca
Christopher_Robin
220
A truly amazing goal by Dembele and Messi. People might call Dembele's goal lucky.....but to score in that situation is not an easy task. he had amazing composure and accuracy and quick thinking....even saurez missed a one v one....which shows it was not easy to score Dembele's goal. And Messi 's goal was just sublime the finish, the placement, the accuracy, the power...I could just go on and on. Just amazing loved this match. #ForçaBarça
Cotcdst
205
there is politics in Barca messi Jordi Alba Suarez are refusing to pass the ball to dembele bcos they creating chances for coutinho to come in the coach is dancing to their politics let me ask a question it is only Vidal and dembele that can be change?Suarez rakitic coutinho were all dead in the second half but yet they complete 90 minutes
kartik1000
183
good end of the season by barca and by Messi. in first half they played well bit in second half celta played like barca. but so what barca grab the three points and a good end of the season. #morethanaclub
Beedmrt
178
Barcelona should look for a striker to replace Suarez...do you realise there are less balls he is scoring by running into defenders, most seem to be first time finishes or tap-ins....I'd even want Rushford who i believe can play jus as good as Mbappe is taken by Barca....Messi n Suarez relationship will cost the team when we need a win most...Messi's performance covers up for Suarez....Messi actually plays for Suarez...and at times does not make the obvious pass that is likely to caluminate into a goal jus because he is lookin for Suarez....at times he doesnt even shoot jus because....! Barcelona would be having more goals than they have ryt now if these guys werent playing politics....maybe it is a south american thing and it annoys others n Dembele is the only one expressive....
manieminem10
158
We played first half brilliantly. Poor second half, Suarez had a very bad game. 3 points and Clean Sheet. What we want. Great to see Ineista. Happy Holidays [xmas] Forca Barca
Barcelona-Arsenal
124
for those who say Marcelo is the best leftback in the world, think again. Jordi Alba MoTM no doubt, wonderful performance by him. second goal was great, from Busquets to alba to messi, over 60 meters covered in these passes, and it shows la masia again. iniesta in the stands looking on!!
PrinceSl
89
The most important thing is 3 points, happy to see Iniesta back, it gave me goosebumps. I wish someday he will be on the bench as assistant coach to Xavi.
rohitgirwal18
74
Let’s not talk about this half.. We end 2018 as leaders with a win. Congrats guys! Looking forward for 2019, OUR year.
huhakmnot
65
people keep talking about Dembele attitude most especially his lateness for training but his attitude on the pitch is normal so I think he deserves the full support that he needs as a young player to grow and develop as a professional football player.
arifk17
64
Messi can't perform without Ronaldinho." "Messi can't perform without Xavi." "Messi can't perform without Alves." "Messi can't perform without Neymar." "Messi can't perform without Iniesta." And here he is, performing without all of them, week in - week out.
lesdeips
61
Valverde Sir, Vidal and Dambele must have full time playing chance in the major matches. Vidal always being energetic and tireless. he strong hold from one post to another post. Dambele also very fast and keep opponents shaking. Some time you must discuss with and give rest to luiz Swaraz.
Ziondepro
55
For those who felt Barça didn't play well in the second half; Must I play, get injured and spend my Xmas holidays at the hospital for a match I already won? We have secured what is important; 3 points and table toppers. Merry Christmas!
dettaboss4l
43
Santa delivers once a year but this guy deliver all year round...
Jicmorz
35
good point you have on dis comment but you got it tarnished when you start alighning messi-suarez on pitch relationship to politics and south america whatever. Messi is a fantastic player who knows what to do and wants success out of it, he works out the chance and give Suarez the ball because he feels Suarez will deliver which unfortunately doesn't turn out to be his expectation. Suarez has obviously and drastically form and needs replacement as you cited and you are not mistaken when u pointed rashford, of course there are more players as rashford who are fitting for Suarez position. in my opinion, Messi needs a beautiful deliverer of his effort.
meweinrz
33
What Suarez, Messi and Alba were doing yesterday is very bad for the team. They were not passing the ball to Dembele when he was in space and had clear chances to make a difference. Suarez could not even make passes all he could do was frown and throw his hands at any mistake made blaming Dembele. I think its high time we sold this guy and brung in guys like Richarlison. He is destabilising the team. Suarez should not fight that hard to get Coutinho a starting berth inconviniencing Dembele and the team in the process. Coutinho must earn hjs spot in the first eleven. I am very pissed off, we could have won with a great margin.