Cesc Fabregas scored twice as Barcelona recorded a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Tuesday evening.
The away side entered the break with a one-goal lead courtesy of an early strike from Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez.
The lead was 2-0 in the early stages of the second half when Fabregas found the back of the net from outside the box, before the Spanish international added his second moments later.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics:
Celta:
Shots: 8
On target: 4
Possession: 41%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 17
Barcelona:
Shots: 13
On target: 6
Possession: 59%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
Had Celta taken their chances in an impressive first period, we might have been looking at a different score this evening. However, Barcelona scored their first and second at the worst possible time for the away side. Overall, the Spanish champions were certainly worthy of all three points, but the scoreline does slightly flatter the Catalan outfit, who were far from their best in Vigo.
Celta's performance
Poor performances have not been Celta's problem this season, rather poor finishing. With the likes of Charles, Nolito and Rafinha in forward areas, they will always create chances, but their inability to put the ball in the back of the net is a serious concern at this stage of the season. Their defending was also suspect this evening and but for a number of fine saves from their goalkeeper Yoel in the latter stages, their goal difference would have taken another beating.
Barcelona's performance
It was surprising to see both Sergio Busquets and Alex Song in the Barcelona midfield this evening, but it proved to be another comfortable three points for the Spanish champions. It still isn't quite happening for Lionel Messi after his return from a thigh injury, but the fact they could make a number of changes to their starting XI and still win 3-0 tells you everything that you need to know about their squad. They are now four points clear of second-place Atletico Madrid and nine clear of Real Madrid.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cesc Fabregas: This award would have been handed to Fabregas regardless of whether he had scored twice this evening. The Spanish international found the back of the net with two wonderful strikes, but it was his work in the middle of the park that was most impressive. Everything about his performance oozed class.
Biggest gaffe
Nolito had the ball in the back of the net for Celta shortly after Barcelona had taken the lead, but the referee chalked it off for a foul on Victor Valdes. Replays indicated that it was in fact Barcelona defender Marc Bartra that had bumped into his own goalkeeper, before Nolito clipped home from close range. The home side should certainly have entered the interval on terms.
Referee performance
Overall, David Fernandez had a fairly quiet evening in Vigo. He needed help from his linesman when deciding to rule out a 'goal' for Nolito, but aside from that, the Spaniard allowed the match to flow whenever possible. He was hardly seen in the second period, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Celta: Celta are on the road next time out as they make the trip to the Estadio Ramon to face Sevilla on Saturday.
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit will attempt to continue their winning run when they welcome Espanyol to the Camp Nou on Friday evening.
Matt Law
