La Liga: Under-strength Barca survive Celta fightback to stay unbeaten


FE Team | Published: April 18, 2018 11:51:59 | Updated: April 19, 2018 11:35:48


Celta’s Iago Aspas celebrates after scoring their second in the 2-2 draw against Barcelona on Tuesday - AP photo

A much-changed Barcelona side were held at Celta Vigo as Ernesto Valverde rested key players before Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Sevilla.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both started on the bench in Tuesday's match and Gerard Pique and Andreas Iniesta were rested, but Barca went ahead through Ousmane Dembele.

Jonny's tap-in levelled the game but Paco Alcacer fired Barca ahead again.

Sergi Roberto was then set off for a pull on Iago Aspas, who equalised via a fortunate deflection late on, according to a BBC report.

Paulinho also hit the post for the La Liga leaders on what was a frustrating night for Valverde's side.

Barca nevertheless extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches and move 12 points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand

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