Barcelona get their revenge against Celta

Messi opens scoring

Fresh from securing their place in the Copa del Rey final, and setting a new club record of 29 games unbeaten in all competitons, Barca took the game to Celta. Sergio Alvarez saved well from Neymar in an one-on-one early on after a great move from Andres Iniesta.

Messi had already gone close with one freekick when he opened the scoring after 28 minutes from a similar position. He curled a shot over the wall for in his 13th Liga BBVA goal this season.

Bravo alert

Claudio Bravo had to be alert to save from Josep Sene and Claudio Beauvue as the visitors reminded the Camp Nou that they had condemned Luis Enrique’s side to their biggest defeat of the season back in September winning 4-1 at Balaidos.

Barca were creating the most danger but they conceded an equaliser just before halftime. Jordi Alba’s clumsy challenge on John Guidetti gave away a penalty and the Swedish midfielder made no mistake from the spot, firing low into the corner. It was his second goal of the season against the Catalans.

Luis Suarez brilliant

Neymar's mazy run and pull-back saw Luis Suarez hist the post as Barca relentlessly pressed forward after the break. Celta finally wilted when Luis Suarez cut in off the right and fed Messi. The Uruguayan carried on his run into the area and Messi lifted the ball into the area for Barca’s number 9 to bury a volley past Sergio Alvarez

Barca were proving irresistible. Messi scampered across the edge of the area, and played Neymar in for the Brazilian to fire goalwards from a tight angle. The ball bounced along the line and Luis Suarez slid into to score his second.

Messi penalty

When Messi was brought down in the area for a penalty everyone expected him to take it and score his 300th Liga BBVA goal. The Argentine stepped forward but instead laid the ball off to the right and Luis Suarez raced in to finish off the move and claim his hat-trick as Celta stood and watched. It was a move made famous by Johan Cruyff with Ajax back in 1982.

Barca run away with game

Luis Suarez then laid on goals for Ivan Raktic, who finished with a lob, and Neymar, who lifted the ball over Sergio Alvarez, to complete the rout. Barcelona stay three points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top, and can move six clear if they can win their postponed game against R.Sporting on Wednesday.