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Wednesday, May 8

La Liga

May 4, 2019 at 7.45pm UK
Celta Vigo
2-0
Barcelona
Gomez (67'), Aspas (88' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-0)

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Lionel Messi among eight Barcelona players rested for Celta clash

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Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are among the first-team regulars who will be rested.
PA | 4d

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde insists his team are not taking Celta Vigo lightly, despite his decision to rest eight senior players for Saturday's away match.

Barca have already secured the LaLiga title and are on the brink of a place in the Champions League final as well as preparing for the final of the Copa del Rey.

Lionel Messi will be rested at Celta, along with Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

However Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Arturo Vidal, Arthur and keeper Jasper Cillessen are among those expected to feature.

According to Marca, Valverde said: "We're treating this game the same as the others.

"We're going to try to get three points. We've put in lots of effort in the last three weeks and we're going to make changes because it's necessary to.

"It's clear that we got a good result (in the 3-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg victory over Liverpool) but the tie isn't over, far from it.

Lionel Messi, who scored twice in the Champions League win over Liverpool, will not play against Celta Vigo (Emilio Morenatti/AP).

"We know this because we watch Liverpool regularly, we know what they're capable of.

"Although there will be time to worry about (Liverpool), I know we can't lose focus on the tie, but now we have to concentrate on (Celta).

"I could use (Cillessen) in these games. Each time there's a possibility, he's played a match, like he didn't last year. We're happy with him, he's a great goalkeeper and I know that the goalkeeper position is very special."

Holland international Jasper Cillessen is in line to start in goal for Barcelona (Nigel French/PA).

Valverde also reminded his team that their past three visits to Celta have resulted in two defeats and a draw, adding: "We lost here last year.

"We made changes in the league and cup, I remember. It's the first opportunity to change the dynamic."

Celta manager Fran Escriba has taken encouragement from Barca's team selection, telling his club's official website: "We are aware that Rakitic and Busquets are not coming due to a suspension. It's a good opportunity for us because we believe we can beat any team."



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4Tottenham HotspurSpurs372311365372870
5Arsenal372071070502067
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd37199965521366
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8Everton37158145244853
9Leicester CityLeicester37156165148351
10Watford37148155155-450
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham37147164854-649
12Crystal Palace37137174650-446
13Bournemouth37136185365-1245
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15Burnley37117194465-2140
16Southampton37911174464-2038
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3799193456-2236
RCardiff CityCardiff3794243269-3731
RFulham3775253477-4326
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3736282175-5415
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