|
| Messi and Rakitic celebrate against Celtic |
FC Barcelona booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2016/2017 UEFA Champions League tournament after a fantastic 2-0 win over Scottish Champions Celtic in Glasgow on Wednesday night.
Captain and talisman Lionel Messi scored twice, one from the penalty spot to help Barça secure passage to the Round of 16 top of Group C after Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw to Borussia Monchengladbach in the other group game.
Luis Enrique made five changes from the team that played out a 0-0 draw against Málaga at the weekend with Messi, Suárez, André Gomes, Jordi Alba and Rakitic all starting. Messi came close on two occasions as Barça began to press early on, the forward would get his goal after 24 minutes after he did well to fire in a half volley from a chipped pass from Neymar, that was Barça’s 400th goal under Luis Enrique.
Celtic came close moments later after Moussa Dembele forced Ter Stegen to a save, and then Suárez threatened at the other end but his header was stopped by Gordon.
Celtic started the second period with utmost determination and came close through Callum McGregor who forced Ter Stegen into another save. Forrest then found Moussa Dembele with a cross but the attacker could only head straight at Ter Stegen when he should’ve scored from 6 yards out.
Barça got their second 10 minutes into the second half after a good through ball by Sergi Roberto found Suárez in the box and the Uruguayan was fouled, Messi converted the resulting spot kick. King Leo came close to getting his hat-trick but had a shot skip wide off goal and then he created a clear cut chance for Suárez who missed a great opportunity to make it 3-0, striking the post.
The win means Barça gathered 12 points after 5 games and top Group C. Neymar picked up a yellow card and will miss the club’s final group game next month against Borussia Monchengladbach.
