FC Barcelona News: 18 April 2018

Celta Vigo – FC Barcelona: All square in Galicia (2-2) | FC Barcelona
Ernesto Valverde picked a starting XI with the Copa del Rey in mind, and his side eased into the game against Celta with Paulinho having the first sight of goal for the visitors in the fifth minute. Fine link up play between Philippe Coutinho and Denis Suárez then saw the latter flash a shot across goal as Barça looked to gain an early advantage.

Ernesto Valverde: ‘We are two wins away from the title’ | FC Barcelona
Ernesto Valverde valued Barça’s draw against Celta Vigo at Balaídos, emphasising how equal the first half was: “It was a very open game, especially in the first half.” At the same time, the coach made reference to the difficulties the Blaugrana faced when Sergi Roberto was sent off, not long after Barça went ahead for the second time in the match (1-2): “We took an excessive step backwards with the sending off, and that ended up punishing us.”

Another exhibition by Ter Stegen between the posts | FC Barcelona
In the 11th minute, the former Mönchengladbach No.1 magnificently stopped a shot by Maxi Gómez, but the most spectacular save came just after the half hour. Brais Méndez curled his effort towards the top corner, and with the whole stadium expecting to see the ball nestle in the back of the net, the German flung himself full-length to tip the ball around the post.

Messi misses out as Barcelona include no La Masia stars for Celta Vigo draw | ESPN
It was a team selection which threw up a number of curiosities. For starters, there were eight changes from the side which beat Valencia at the weekend. Valverde, who has so often resisted the urge to rotate this season, effectively fielded a B team with Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Sevilla in mind.

HIGHLIGHTS: Celta vs FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona continue to pick up points in their search for the league title as they took a draw from the tough away trip to Celta Vigo. The blaugranes took the lead in the first half thanks to Dembélé first goal in La Liga on 35 minutes. However, the home side levelled things up just before the break with a goal from defender Jonny.

Barcelona ‘weighing up’ Martial bid | Football Espana
Barcelona have joined the race for in-demand Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, according to reports. The France forward has started only four games since Alexis Sanchez arrived at Old Trafford in January and various reports suggest he could seek a move away this summer.

The five best goals from La Masia this past weekend | FC Barcelona
Check out the five best goals scored by FC Barcelona youth team players on the weekend of April 14/15, in which the various sides took some excellent results. All twelve games featuring Barça youngsters ended in victory.

Source: barcablaugranes.com