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.
2018/2019 La Liga
2-0
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