Atletico Madrid’s victory over Espanyol earlier on Saturday afternoon had seen Los Rojiblancos move level with Barcelona on 34 points at the top of the LaLiga Santander table, but goals from Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messiallowed the Blaugrana to defeat Celta Vigo 2-0 to pull clear once again and to finish 2018 at the top of the pile with 37 points.
It didn’t take at all long for the Catalan club to take the lead against their visitors from Galicia, as Dembele turned the ball in after just 10 minutes with a ruthless finish from a rebound after Ruben had initially saved a Messi shot.
Celta Vigo didn’t give up, though, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to make his customary top-class save in the 25th minute as he denied Maxi Gomez.
Little by little, the visitors started to trouble Barcelona and the Camp Nou was growing nervous as the clocked ticked towards half time.
However, a ‘made in La Masia’ goal in the final minute of the half made sure that the home crowd could enjoy their half time sandwiches with a smile on their faces.
It was Sergio Busquets who started the move, pinging a ball towards Jordi Alba who then played Messi through on goal.
Of course, the No.10 didn’t miss.
Celta still didn’t throw in the towel, but their task was made all the more difficult when star man Iago Aspas had to go off – to an ovation from the home fans – in the 52nd minute after suffering an injury.
There was one final chance for Miguel Cardoso‘s men to get back into the game at a 78th minute corner, but Nelson Semedo and Ter Stegen combined to somehow keep the ball out and to keep a clean sheet.
It was the perfect way for Barcelona to end their 2018, as they seek to retain their LaLiga Santander title.
