Barcelona hammer Celta... and are now dreaming of PSG comeback

Barcelona hammer Celta... and are now dreaming of PSG comeback

The Catalan side scored five against Celta Vigo and are now focused on producing a Champions League miracle against Unai Emery's side at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening

“Yes we can,” sang the Barcelona fans as they moved into a 5-0 lead against Celta Vigo. It was enough to win them three points and move them to the top of the league again on Saturday. It’s also the scoreline they need to beat Paris Saint-Germain by on Wednesday to progress in the Champions League. After this win, coupled with the 6-1 victory over Sporting Gijon on Wednesday, Barca supporters believe. 

Lionel Messi scored twice here and set up another two in what was another vintage performance from the No.10. There were also goals from Neymar, Ivan Rakitic and Samuel Umtiti as Celta Vigo failed to deal with a rejuvenated Barcelona. 

There’s a train of thought that Luis Enrique’s announcement on Wednesday -- that he will leave the club in the summer -- could free the shackles from the Barca players. On the evidence of this performance, there might be legs to that theory. 

It was as good as the Blaugrana have played in a long time and they could have been ahead long before Messi’s solo effort. Both Suarez and Messi had hit the post in the same move as Celta struggled to stop their free flowing hosts. 

Luis Enrique had once again opted for a back three without the ball, with Sergi Roberto dropping in at right-back when they lost it. Given it’s a formation Barça have now played for the last few matches, they looked much more comfortable here. 

Messi’s opener was sublime. Spinning past x on the halfway line, he advanced towards the box, drew another defender, moved to the left and curled into the bottom corner. Even by his standard it was a beauty. 

As much as it was about the goal, though, the celebration may be the talking point after. Looking towards the stands, he made a a gesture as if to tell someone to give someone a phone call. What were his intentions? 

Back on the pitch, Barca continued to dominate. As well as the double woodwork, Neymar had seen a penalty appeal turned down following a Hugo Mallo foul and then, after Messi’s goal, Rafinha should have made it two. 

A fine Ivan Rakitic pass sent him scuttling through, but the Hispanic-Brazilian fired tamely at Sergio. 

Neymar didn’t make the same mistake moments later. Rakitic and Messi exchanged passes before the latter slipped in the Brazilian forward, who produced a sublime chip over the top of Sergio. 

The second half followed a similar pattern and there was a real carnival feel around Camp Nou. Rakitic added the third from close range after good play from Neymar and Messi in the build up. Replays showed he was offside, but a disallowed goal wouldn’t have stopped the Barca machine here. 

Umtiti scored his first goal for the club from close range -- Messi again the architect -- before Messi added another stunning effort. Drifting in from the right this time, he sent Sergio one way with his eyes and rolled the ball in to the other corner. 

That made it five and the only surprise was that there was not more. There was no goal for Suarez, either. Barca came close plenty of times and there was some ridiculous football, but they ended up finishing with five. It was enough here and it will be enough on Wednesday, too.