Celta Vigo 0-3 Barcelona: 5 talking points as the Blaugrana end their winless streak at Balaidos | LaLiga 2020-21

#3 Creative Coutinho sparkles through the middle for Barcelona

RC Celta v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander

Less than a month ago, there was no guarantee that Philippe Coutinho would ever wear a Barcelona jersey again, and his starring role in the dismantling of the club by Bayern Munich was seen by many as his final contribution to the club.

However, Koeman made it emphatically clear that the former Liverpool man would feature in his plans and so far, the 57-year-old has lived true to his words.

The Brazil international had an assist in the 4-0 victory over Villarreal and he was again the provider for the opening goal against Celta Vigo.

He had a hand in the second goal as he combined well with Messi to set his skipper on his way before his shot was deflected for an own goal. He also hit the post with a trademark shot from the edge of the box and was given a warm hug by his manager when he was taken off.

Playing through the middle, it was a comprehensive performance for Philippe Coutinho and he was at the heart of almost every attack that was launched by the visitors.

Things have not gone to plan for the 28-year-old since arriving at the Nou Camp in January 2018 but on evidence of his performances so far, Coutinho might be ready to show fans of the club why he was bought for a club-record fee.

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#2 Wasteful Celta Vigo fail to take their chances

Celta Vigo came into this fixture boasting an impressive home record against Barcelona and despite going down to an early goal, they still had enough quality to get something from the game.

Their chances were further boosted by the dismissal of Clement Lenglet but despite having the numerical advantage, the hosts failed to take advantage of the situation.

Talisman and captain Iago Aspas was unusually quiet while Denis Suarez and Emre Mor wasted the two good chances they were able to muster.

More disappointingly for manager Oscar Garcia was the manner in which Celta Vigo capitulated and failed to turn up in the second half. This loss saw the Galicians lose their unbeaten start to the campaign.

#1 Majestic Messi dominates proceedings for Barcelona

RC Celta v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander

Lionel Messi sent shockwaves around the world with his burofax decision but ultimately, common sense prevailed and he decided to see out the last year of his contract.

Without him in this side, Barcelona are very ordinary and although he did not get on the scoresheet against Celta Vigo, it was not for want of trying.

The Ballon d'Or holder saw his cutback into the box deflect into the net for the second goal in the 51st minute and he thought he made it three on the hour mark only for the goal to be cancelled for the most marginal of offside decisions.

Messi also had a hand in the third goal as a late surge into the box ended with Ivan Villar punching the ball into the path of Sergi Roberto who made no mistake from inside the box.

In total, the Barcelona skipper made two key passes and even though his goal drought at the Balaidos stretched to seven years, it takes nothing away from a comprehensive performance by the Barcelona number 10.