They may have been far from their best, but Barcelona secured a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou on Saturday to ensure they end 2018 as the La Liga leaders.
It took just ten minutes for the La Liga champions to take the lead, as Ousmane Dembele finished off a fine team move. Lionel Messi then doubled Barcelona’s advantage at the stroke of half-time after being found by a brilliant squared ball by Jordi Alba.
In the second half, Barcelona played well within themselves. But, Celta Vigo never quite threatened to get a goal back, as Ernesto Valverde’s men coasted to the 2-0 win and take sole lead of the La Liga table. And, Messi was invariably lauded for his hand in both the goals that the champions scored on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/jperkovic93/status/1076536418867003393
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Messi ending the year in style. With a goal.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) December 22, 2018
Messi will go on and win his 6th golden boot and 6th Ballon D'or.
You saw it here first.
— Major (@Kingadze_) December 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/iAtEtIdEpOds/status/1076549419540058113
📊 | Lionel Messi is the only player from the top 5 European leagues to score 15+ league goals in each of the last 11 seasons. pic.twitter.com/ESolVkP9CM
— Culé Source™ (@CuleSource) December 22, 2018
Messi's passing has been another level so far today. Well, not exactly another level. His usual level. Another level for anyone else.
— Andy West (@andywest01) December 22, 2018
Jordi Alba was involved in both goals as well, and the Spaniard’s connection with Messi was highlighted as well.
"Messi Is The Light On Ground Which Only Jordi Alba Can See."
Alba-Messi Bond ❤💙 pic.twitter.com/ISANrrmWPp— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) December 22, 2018
Alba-Messi combination is of nuclear proportions.
— Kamgee Magana (@Kamgee_Magana) December 22, 2018
Mind you, all about Messi and Alba.
Again.— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) December 22, 2018
📊 | #BarcaCelta | Alba’s stats against Celta:
1 Assists
1 shot
62 Passes
83.1 % pass accuracy
3 Key passes
2 Big chance created
3 Long balls completed
1 Duel won
1 Clearance
4 interceptions
1 foul wonAnother great game for El Ferrari. pic.twitter.com/RQqPFIpjbt
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) December 22, 2018
Millennium pass followed by spectacular finish.
JORDI ALBA AND LEO MESSI the best partnership you can ever find. pic.twitter.com/lwOyItrWSP
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) December 22, 2018
Alba understands the first law of football perfectly.
Always pass the ball to Leo Messi.
— Jimmy (@FCBJimmy_) December 22, 2018