Barcelona managed a huge 3-0 win over Celta Vigo and is in complete control of its destiny regarding the chance to win the Spanish league title. The team now trails Atletico Madrid by one point. The two sides will meet on the final day of the season and if both teams manage to win their remaining games leading up to that match, then that game will literally be a final that decides the title winner.
The victory over Celta Vigo was important for a number of reasons, not just the victory. Here are the major takeaways from the victory.
1. Is Neymar Back?
Neymar had only scored one goal in 2014 for Barcelona heading into this game. He had poor performances throughout the start of the year and was even benched during a 7-0 win for Barcelona a few weeks ago. During the Clasico against Madrid Coach Gerardo Martino placed him on the right flank instead of his usual place on the left. The experiment failed, not because the team was unable to find him, but because Neymar looked insecure with the ball at his feet. His most important contribution in that game was drawing the penalty that would give his team a man advantage and the tying goal. But on Wednesday Neymar played the role that Barcelona had expected from him when he was acquired last May; he scored not once, but twice. The first goal was the result of being in the right place after a terrific passing sequence by his teammates. However the second goal was a thing of beauty; joga bonito at its finest. The Brazilian received an aerial pass that he received with his chest and then controlled with his head. With tremendous amount of space ahead of him he did what he does best and ran at the goal. The usual hesitation that has plagued his play was completely gone as he charged the net. He cut past one defender to the inside, waited a bit and then rifled the ball into the net. It was vintage Neymar.
2. Will Victor Valdes' absence hurt Barcelona?
Blaugrana looks rejuvenated but the injury to the squad's top keeper could be a huge blow moving forward. How will Los Cules get on without the sensational form of Valdes? This question transcends the League competition as backup Jose Maria Pinto has looked mediocre in his few starts this year. He was a major culprit of the team's 2-1 loss against Ajax earlier this year. Can he lead Barcelona to the promised land?
3. Lionel Messi is at the top of his game
While Cristiano Ronaldo continues to struggle to find his best form for Real Madrid, his rival has returned to his best play. Messi has been extremely dominant in recent weeks and was at his best on Wednesday. One could make an argument for a slight offside on his goal, but aside from that Messi was peerless throughout the game. It will be interesting to see what a team like Bayern Munich will do against Messi playing at the top of his game.