Barcelona FC has successfully passed their first test of the new season, when they beat Celtic 0-1 from a Fabregas header. Last season, all started from the shock defeat to Celtic and the slide started. Milan followed it up in the knockout stages, exploited further by PSG and finally annihilated by Bayern Munich. When the battle lines were drawn this year, Barcelona were pitted against teams that caused them the troubles. So more than they had to prove any one else, Barcelona had to prove themselves that they are still the team to beat. The very first challenge laid at Celtic Park which was unbreathable last year. They played in the same way as they did at Camp Nou so the result wasn't a surprise. This season in order to prove again that Barcelona are again the team that could win everything, they had to overcome Celtic.
Match day arrived. Messi was absent. Neymar had to step up. Bartra had to show his mettle. Tata Martino had to show his managerial and tactical skill. All was on show. Fabregas started in Messi's role, with Pedro and Neymar at either sides. The familiar three, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets held the midfield. Bartra and Pique were at the heart of defense with Brazilian Alves and Adriano as full backs. The match started in its usual sense, with both teams pressing. Barcelona held their early nerves. Corner kicks and free kicks were wasted. But still the scoreline was static at 0-0. Half time approached. Teams weren't shuffled. When the 70 minute mark touched, one could see Alexis and Tello being prepared to brought on. Alexis came soon for Pedro and he immediately showed the impact. Celtic's captain was RED CARDed for fouling Neymar and he was sent off. They had to withstand a Barca storm for the next 25 minutes with 10 men. Soon enough, Barca started a counter, the ball was sprayed on to Neymar who laid it off to Alexis to set up Fabregas for an all important headed goal. MISSION CELTIC PARK ACCOMPLISHED !! in style. Statement delivered all across Europe, Barcelona back at their hungrier best. Stop us if you can. We are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Match day arrived. Messi was absent. Neymar had to step up. Bartra had to show his mettle. Tata Martino had to show his managerial and tactical skill. All was on show. Fabregas started in Messi's role, with Pedro and Neymar at either sides. The familiar three, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets held the midfield. Bartra and Pique were at the heart of defense with Brazilian Alves and Adriano as full backs. The match started in its usual sense, with both teams pressing. Barcelona held their early nerves. Corner kicks and free kicks were wasted. But still the scoreline was static at 0-0. Half time approached. Teams weren't shuffled. When the 70 minute mark touched, one could see Alexis and Tello being prepared to brought on. Alexis came soon for Pedro and he immediately showed the impact. Celtic's captain was RED CARDed for fouling Neymar and he was sent off. They had to withstand a Barca storm for the next 25 minutes with 10 men. Soon enough, Barca started a counter, the ball was sprayed on to Neymar who laid it off to Alexis to set up Fabregas for an all important headed goal. MISSION CELTIC PARK ACCOMPLISHED !! in style. Statement delivered all across Europe, Barcelona back at their hungrier best. Stop us if you can. We are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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