Understrength Barcelona fell to a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo as the hosts took three deserved and valuable points in their quest to avoid relegation.
Visiting boss Ernesto Valverde made eleven changes from the team that started against Liverpool on Wednesday, and not all the understudies sparkled.
Check out our player ratings for the full story.
CELTA VIGO STARTING XI
Blanco 6. Had virtually nothing to do as Barca’s toothless attack failed to create anything of note in the whole game.
Mallo 7. Supplied some dangerous deliveries from the right flank and was always solid and tigerish in defence.
Cabral 7. Comfortably had the better of his personal battle with Prince, mopping up Barca’s minimal threat with ease.
Araujo 8. Powerful presence in the heart of Celta’s defence, and always posed a threat in the air from set-pieces.
Olaza 7. Did a steady job defensively, rarely looking troubled, and occasionally showed speed in attack down the left.
Boudebouz 7. Drifted across the field in the hope of creating danger, and delivered a great cross for the opener.
Okay 7. Mainly sat in front of the back four and patrolled that area well. Also tested Cillessen with a 20-yard strike.
Lobotka 6. Worked hard with and without the ball, covering lots of ground to make life difficult for the visitors.
Boufal 6. An occasional threat, including a curled shot just over the bar, but too often disappeared and was replaced.
Aspas 7. Always bright, busy and committed, and sealed the points with a well-despatched penalty in the latter stages.
Gomez 7. Fired an early chance wide and sent a free header straight at Cillessen before blasting home the opener.
SUBS
Mendes 6. Entered on the right wing for the latter stages and provided a spark, looking capable of causing danger.
Jozabed 5. Came on for the final five minutes in midfield but barely had a touch.
Beltran 5. Appeared in stoppage time as Celta ran down the clock on their victory.
BARCELONA STARTING XI
Cillessen 6. A rare league start and made a few routine saves, but couldn’t get down at his near post to deny Gomez’s opener.
Wague 6. Came forward well, threatening with a low shot, but suspect defensively and conceded a penalty for handball.
Todibo 6. Strong and composed, sometimes too much as he risked losing possession in dangerous positions. Retired hurt.
Umtiti 6. At times looked back to his best, but dropped concentration at times including losing Gomez for the opener.
Vermaelen 5. Played in an unfamiliar left-back role. Booked early on and played within himself, offering nothing in attack.
Puig 6. Excellent passing in the centre of midfield, always seeming to have time in possession, but lacked cutting edge.
Arthur 7. Operated in the deep-lying pivot position and kept the ball moving confidently. Replaced after an hour.
Alena 6. Regularly drove forward to link midfield and attack, but was off target with a couple of shots from promising positions.
Dembele N/A. Forced off with an apparent hamstring injury after just five minutes, potentially ending his season.
Prince 4. Understandably lacking rhythm as he tried to lead the line, receiving little service and posing little threat.
Malcom 5. Initially bright, looking the most likely of the front three to break the deadlock, but faded badly after the break.
SUBS
Collado 5. Came off the bench for his league debut. Neat and tidy but lacked attacking presence and looked lightweight.
Vidal 6. Introduced after an hour to replace Arthur at the base of midfield. Not his best position but he got stuck in.
Murillo 6. Came on for the last 25 minutes in the heart of defence. Solid enough on a rare outing for the Valencia loanee.
