XtraTime Web Desk: Impressive performances from Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati helped Barcelona to an impressive 3-0 win in La Liga at Balaidos on Thursday. The Catalans were reduced to 10 men for most time of the match as defender Clement Lenglet was showed the marching orders.
Teenager Fati showed pace and anticipation to nip in between two Celta defenders and fire Barca ahead in the 11th minute, picking up where he left off with his two early goals in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Villarreal.
The visitors doubled their advantage soon after the interval, as Messi tore through Celta’s defence and fired a low shot which took a heavy deflection off Lucas Olaza and squirmed past keeper Ivan Villar for an own goal.
The Catalans, who had failed to win their last five league games at Celta’s Balaidos, maintained control even with 10 men, only once looking in danger of conceding. Messi almost got a goal himself with another bursting run into the area but his shot was saved by Villar, leaving Sergi Roberto to lash high into the net deep in added time for the third goal.