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NatWest T20 Blast champions Birmingham Bears are guaranteed a quarter-final place in this year’s competition after beating closest rivals Worcestershire Rapids by five wickets in front of a sell-out crowd at New Road

ECB/PA10-Jul-2015
ScorecardRikki Clarke’s unbeaten half-century helped Birmingham overcome a poor start to their chase•Getty ImagesNatWest T20 Blast champions Birmingham Bears are guaranteed a quarter-final place in this year’s competition after beating closest rivals Worcestershire Rapids by five wickets in front of a sell-out crowd at New Road.The North Group leaders opened up a four-point gap when old hand Rikki Clarke kept cool in making an unbeaten 52 from 43 balls as the Bears made it five wins in a row.Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Brett D’Oliveira made half-centuries in taking the Rapids to 160 for 5 and the Bears overcome a chaotic start to complete a successful run chase with three balls to spare after a quick-fire 22 not out by Ateeq Javid.It was an earlier partnership of 68 in nine overs by Clarke and Laurie Evans which restored order before the latter was caught at long-on off Saeed Ajmal.In the closing stages wicketkeeper Ben Cox intermittently employed the tactic of discarding his gloves and taking up a sort of long stop position, but it made no odds as the Rapids suffered a blow in their bid for a quarter-final spot.Insights

Birmingham are the first county to qualify for the quarter-finals this season and within this victory there was evidence to why they are deservedly so. With 30 balls remaining in their run-chase they were still 57 short of the target – a less successful team may have panicked, but there was no sense of that as four consecutive double-digit overs saw Birmingham to victory with three balls remaining.

Their innings had been a tale of two exciting academy-developed prospects and two contrasting phases.Kohler-Cadmore registered his third half-century in the competition and D’Olviera, from the third generation of a famous cricketing family, reached an explosive 50 from 29 balls, his highest score in all formats for the first-team.Yet for all this enterprise, the Rapids were tied down for more than half of the innings as Warwickshire’s three spinners conceded only 71 runs – and three boundaries, all by Kohler-Cadmore – in the space of 11 overs.On a sluggish surface, which was used for two previous T20 games, Worcestershire were only able to break out of the shackles when D’Oliveira hit four sixes as pace bowlers Oliver Hannon-Dalby and Recordo Gordon were carted for 56 off the last four overs.When D’Oliveira hoisted the last ball of the inning over long off, the 23-year-old allrounder was undefeated with 56 from 30 deliveries, having more than doubled his previous best in the competition.Worcestershire made a poor start when captain Daryl Mitchell came down from a mid-week double century in the County Championship to a first-ball duck when he steered rather than smashed a short ball from Rikki Clarke to backward point.Richard Oliver was bowled for 10, aiming to slog wrist spinner Josh Poysden’s opening delivery, and Colin Munro was smartly stumped by Tim Ambrose off Jeetan Patel.Kohler-Cadmore managed to shut out problems at the opposite end by taking five boundaries in the power play and the former Malvern College batsman was up to 66 from 51 balls when he holed out to deep midwicket off Poysden.In contrast Warwickshire’s top order lurched into trouble. Brendon McCullum hit two sixes but the New Zealand captain’s dismissal, bowled by Joe Leach for 15, sparked off a slump to 48 for 4, one of the wickets falling to D’Oliveira.

The counsel for former India players Bishan Singh Bedi and Kirti Azad told the Supreme Court on Thursday that they were in favour of the Lodha committee’s recommendationst to restructure the BCCI

PTI05-May-2016The counsel for former India players Bishan Singh Bedi and Kirti Azad told the Supreme Court on Thursday that they were in favour of the Lodha committee’s recommendations to restructure the BCCI.Advocate Manish Tiwari, arguing for Bedi, Azad and another former cricketer Sameer Bahadur, also targeted the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for alleged irregularities.”All is not well in DDCA and BCCI. There are serious difficulties which are affecting the functioning of these cricket bodies. Therefore, reforms suggested by Justice RM Lodha-led committee should be implemented,” he told a bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice Ibrahim KalifullaTiwari added that there were several reports against the DDCA, including one in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and one from Justice Mukul Mudgal, which have pointed out deficiencies in the management of cricket matches.”Justice Mukul Mudgal, who is former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, was appointed observer for the India-South Africa match in his report had said that the internal audit of DDCA pointed out shortcomings and financial irregularities,” Tiwari said. “Monopoly and irregularities have perpetuated over the period of time in the functioning of BCCI and it needs to function in a manner by which the trust of people in the game of cricket is restored.”Tiwari contended the Lodha committee’s recommendations could help the BCCI become more capable and its administrators to be more efficient.The DDCA had been headed by Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, for 14 years. Tiwari, a Congress leader appearing for Azad who has been expelled from the BJP, alleged there was no transparency in the elections conducted by cricket associations due to proxy voting and said, “cricket in national capital is in a sorry state.”The next hearing of the case is scheduled for May 10. While there is time for perhaps a further two hearings in this case before the Supreme Court’s summer vacation begins on May 15, there is a possibility that a final verdict will only be delivered post the vacation that ends on June 28.

Aitana Bonmati has claimed the Women’s World Cup Golden Ball for champions Spain, with Mary Earps and Hinata Miyazawa other big winners.

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La Roja take the ultimate prizeCollect two individual awardsLionesses keeper recognisedGettyGOLDEN BALL

What a season it has been for Barcelona midfielder Bonmati. After helping to deliver Liga F and Champions League glory at club level in 2022-23, she has now gone on to inspire a World Cup triumph. The classy 25-year-old was constantly pulling the strings for Spain in Australia and New Zealand, with the Catalan native able to make the game look so easy.

She appeared to be playing a different sport to her international rivals at times, with three goals recorded from the middle of the park. The first of those came in a group stage opener against Costa Rica, before then bagging a brace in a 5-1 demolition of Switzerland in the last 16. Bonmati starred for Spain throughout and must now be considered a leading contender for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin.

AdvertisementGettyBEST YOUNG PLAYER

Teenage forward Salma Paralluelo was trusted with leading the line for Spain in their final showdown with England. The 19-year-old embraced the pressure being lumped onto her young shoulders as she posed the Lionesses all kinds of problems with her movement and pacey runs in behind. The Barcelona starlet was rightly recognised as the hottest prospect at the Women’s World Cup, as she took the Best Young Player award, with crucial late goals being recorded in quarter-final and semi-final clashes with the Netherlands and Sweden respectively.

GettyGOLDEN BOOT

Japan enjoyed a memorable run to the quarter-finals, having stunned eventual champions Spain 4-0 at one stage to top their group. Miyazawa was the undoubted star of the show for the Asian heavyweights as she netted five times in total. Two of those efforts came in an opening 5-0 win over Zambia, with another brace recorded in the aforementioned giant-killing of Spain. The 23-year-old midfielder, who plays her club football for Mynavi Sendai, was also on target in a 3-1 victory over Norway in the last-16 – allowing her to walk away with the top-scorer prize.

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It was not to be for England as they fell narrowly short in a bid to secure a historic global crown, but the Lionesses can be extremely proud of their efforts. The reigning European Champions suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Women’s World Cup final, but Manchester United goalkeeper Earps kept them in that contest when saving a second-half penalty. She landed the Golden Glove on the back of keeping three clean sheets in the tournament and being a reliable last line of defence for England.

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami generated interest around the world, and the ‘Messi meets America’ documentary is about to air on Apple TV+.

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Stunning switch to the United StatesAlready landed major silverwareCameras following his every moveWHAT IS 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA'?

The six-part series offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ended up in the United States – with Manchester United and England legend David Beckham playing a leading role in that deal – and the start made by the iconic Argentine to life in Florida with his MLS employers.

Watch Messi Meets America on Apple TV+Sign up todayAdvertisementWATCH: 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA' TRAILER

Messi has not disappointed since deciding to go chasing the American dream, with an immediate impact made in the Sunshine State, and have been following him every step of the way – with a trailer released to whet the appetite of those desperate for another dose of “Messi Mania”.

WHAT THEY SAID

Fans across the globe can start to get excited as the production promises: “After over twenty unforgettable and record-breaking years of excellence between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with the Argentina national football team, Leo Messi made a landmark decision that forever changed the face of soccer in North America by joining Major League Soccer and Inter Miami CF. Now, with unprecedented access to Messi and his new Inter Miami CF family, ‘Messi Meets America’ takes viewers behind-the-scenes as the greatest player to ever step on the pitch leads his new team to a Leagues Cup title and beyond. From selling out record crowds across America at breakneck speed, to his incredible last-minute game-winning goal in his very first match, to moments with Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates, the series chronicles Leo’s immersion in America, the remarkable journey and transformation of Inter Miami CF, and most significantly, the impact he is currently having on soccer in North America as ‘Messi Mania’ crisscrosses the continent.”

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GOALWHEN IS 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA' RELEASED?

The first three episodes of ‘Messi meets America’ will premiere globally on October 11. Three further episodes will be aired by at a later date – with the all-time great hoping to shake off an injury in time to help Inter Miami into the 2023 MLS play-offs.

Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha both scored brilliant goals for Paris Saint-Germain in an eventual 5-2 win over Monaco on Friday.

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Dembele controlled brilliantly and finishedVitinha bent a stunning effort into the top cornerPSG comfortable against Ligue 1 rivalsWHAT HAPPENED?

PSG recorded a comfortable win over Monaco on Friday, running out 4-2 winners. Goncalo Ramos scored the opening goal, before an equaliser from Takumi Minamino. Kylian Mbappe then put PSG ahead from the penalty spot.

Ousmane Dembele then scored a brilliant third goal, controlling the ball on the run before slamming it home, and Vitinha followed that up with a stunning effort from the edge of the box. Folarin Balogun responded to make the score 4-2, before Randal Kolo Muani added a fifth in the 96th minute.

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PSG have been in fine form this season and their win over Monaco has now moved them four points clear of second-placed Nice. Monaco remain third, and are now six points back.

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PSG face Newcastle in a huge Champions League clash this week, and their massive win on Friday will be a major confidence boost. They will play Le Havre in Ligue 1 next weekend.

Harry Maguire has admitted that he probably should have taken a red card and subsequent ban at the end of Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham.

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Red Devils suffered dramatic defeatDefender could have stopped late attackWas already on a yellow card at the timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international defender collected a caution against the Cottagers after catching Sasa Lukic with a high challenge, which could have seen him sent off on a different day, and found himself walking a disciplinary tightrope from that point.

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He opted against chopping down flying Fulham winger Adama Traore deep into stoppage-time, after being caught out of position, and could only watch on helplessly as Alex Iwobi was teed up for a dramatic winner at Old Trafford.

WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

Maguire concedes that he could have taken one for the team and served a suspension knowing that United could have had another point on the board. He has said: “I was on a booking myself. In hindsight, maybe I should have just brought him down, but then you miss next week. It's easy to say now. We can say we should have been more cautious, we were far too naive, we can look back and assess it in terms of areas we can improve on, but ultimately over 90 minutes, we didn't do enough to win the game. I thought the reaction to going behind was really good. All the boys pushing, fighting, doing everything they can to get back into the game. We thoroughly deserved the equaliser. Then we went on and we pushed. We had all the pressure, all the momentum and the belief was there that we were going to go on and win the game. In the end, we’ve probably just thrown one too many bodies forward, left the middle of the pitch open and they’ve punished us with a clinical counter-attack.”

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Maguire hauled United level against Fulham in the 89th minute, only to see them concede again in the 97th. The Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of the top four and Champions League qualification, with an FA Cup fifth round clash at Nottingham Forest next on the agenda for them.

Pakistan jumped from sixth place to third in the ICC Test rankings after wrapping up the series against Sri Lanka 2-1

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2015ICC Test Championship table

1. South Africa 130
2. Australia 111
3. Pakistan 101
4. New Zealand 99
5. India 97
6. England 97
7. Sri Lanka 92
8. West Indies 81
9. Bangladesh 41
10. Zimbabwe 5

Pakistan have catapulted from sixth place to third in the ICC Test rankings after centuries from Younis Khan and Shan Masood in the Pallekele Test helped them wrap up the series against Sri Lanka 2-1 with a record chase.Pakistan, who had begun the series with 97 points, bagged four rating points from the win and steered clear of England, India and New Zealand. On the other side, Sri Lanka lost four points and retained their spot at No. 7 with 92 points. Pakistan now lead New Zealand by two points while trailing second-placed Australia by ten.Meanwhile, India and England are caught in the mid-table jam with 97 points each. England will break away and vault to second place if they win the Ashes by 3-0 or a better margin. South Africa top the table with 130 points.

Several key contributors changes teams this offseason, and Goal takes a look at the best of the bunch heading into the 2019 campaign

The offseason was fast and furious for teams across MLS, much as it always is, and a number of familiar faces will call new clubs home as the 2019 season gets set to kick off.

From free agents to blockbuster trades, this MLS offseason saw several big moves with some big names finding new addresses in the process.

There's also the introduction of a new expansion team to take into account as FC Cincinnati spent the last few months wheeling and dealing to prepare for their first MLS campaign.

Some players will be looking to prove they still have plenty left to offer after being deemed surplus to requirements at their old clubs. Others will be looking to prove themselves with a fresh start in a new city and a better situation.

Here is Goal's list of 15 familiar MLS faces who this year will strive to make an impact after changing teams this offseason. 

Ike Opara, Minnesota UnitedThe 2017 MLS Defender of the Year was traded to the Loons after pushing for a pay raise with Sporting KC. The 2018 season wasn't quite as strong as the year prior, but Opara remains one of the premier defenders in MLS when healthy, giving the Loons a much-needed backline leader after two years of difficulties.AdvertisementMichael SullivanBrek Shea, Atlanta UnitedOnce an MLS MVP candidate, it's been a trying few years for Shea, who has played for two clubs and in a number of different positions since returning from his try at Europe. In Atlanta, Shea will provide defensive depth and, only on a one-year deal, is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the reigning MLS Cup champions. Winslow TownsonKendall Waston, FC Cincinnati The Costa Rican star was as vital to the Vancouver Whitecaps' identity as any player on the roster, but the club called time on his tenure this year with a trade to the first-year club. Cincy spent the offseason building from the back forward, signing a number of proven defenders, and it will be Waston's job to be the leader of that group heading into the season. ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Anne-Marie SorvinKei Kamara, Colorado RapidsAnother former Whitecap on the list as Kamara moves to the Rapids as the club searches for a player that can actually score goals. They have that in Kamara, who has been as consistent as they come throughout his MLS career. This will be a different challenge, though, as he looks to lead a Rapids team that was last in the league in scoring with just 36 goals last season.

How to watch Forest against Wolves in the Premier League in the US, as well as kick-off time and team news.

It's a key fixture in Nottingham Forest and Wolves' battle to ward off Premier League relegation as the two teams are set to lock horns at the City Ground on Saturday.

Forest suffered their first home league defeat in 10 games when they lost 2-1 to Newcastle ahead of the international break, while the visitors will also be looking to avoid a third straight defeat after going down 4-2 against fellow strugglers Leeds United.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S. as well as how to stream live online.

(C)Getty ImagesKick-off timeGame:Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton WanderersDate:April 1, 2023Kick-off:10am EDTVenue:The City Ground, West Bridgford

The game is scheduled for April 1, 2023, at The City Ground with a picturesque setting on the banks of River Trent.

It will kick off at 10am EDT in the US.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesHow to watch Nottingham Forest vs Wolves online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.N/APeacock Premium

In the United States (US), the game can be watched live on Peacock Premium.

GettyTeam news & squadsNottingham Forest team news

The Tricky Trees are hit with fresh injuries to Chris Wood, Serge Aurier, Andre Ayew and Gustavo Scarpa during the international break, with Wood ruled out for the rest of the season with a thigh problem.

Furthermore, Brennan Johnson and Wayne Hennessey are doubtful after picking up knocks on Wales duty, and Ryan Yates injured his shoulder against Newcastle.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Cheikhou Kouyate have returned to full training, with Scott McKenna also close to returning to the pitch, but Dean Henderson, Giulian Biancone, Omar Richards and Willy Boly are still sidelined.

As such, the likes of Neco Williams, Remo Freuler, Jesse Lingard and Sam Surridge will expect to be in the XI against Wolves.

Nottingham Forest possible XI: Navas; Williams, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Danilo, Shelvey, Freuler; Lingard, Gibbs-White; Surridge

Position Players

GoalkeepersNavas, HennesseyDefendersNiakhate, McKenna, Worrall, Cook, Felipe, Lodi, Toffolo, WilliamsMidfieldersDanilo, Kouyate, Colback, Freuler, Mangala, O'Brien, Yates, Shelvey, Arter, Cafu, Gibbs-White, LingardForwardsJohnson, Awoniyi, Dennis, Surridge, Taylor, MightenWolves team news

Sasa Kalajdzic, Chiquinho and Hwang Hee-chan are sidelined with injuries, while Hugo Bueno is doubtful due to a hamstring problem.

Jonny has been slapped with a three-game ban after his red card against Leeds, while a similar punishment has been lifted from Matheus Nunes by the FA – meaning the midfielder is available for selection on Saturday.

Expect Rayan Ait-Nouri to slot in for Jonny at left-back.

Boubacar Traore has recovered from a muscle injury and made a couple of substitute appearances for Mali, while Matheus Cunha will be pushing for a start after scoring off the bench last time out.

Wolves possible XI: Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri; Lemina, Neves, Moutinho; Cunha, Jimenez, Podence

Position Players

GoalkeepersSa, Bentley, MouldenDefendersCollins, Kilman, Dawson, Toti, Ait-Nouri, Bueno, SemedoMidfieldersRuben Neves, Lemina, B. Traore, Hodge, Nunes, Gomes, Moutinho, Podence, SarabiaForwardsNeto, Cunha, Jimenez, Costa, A. TraoreHead-to-head record

Date Result Competition

January 12, 2023Nottingham Forest (P) 1-1 WolvesCarabao CupOctober 15, 2022Wolves 1-0 Nottingham ForestPremier LeagueAugust 25, 2021Nottingham Forest 0-4 WolvesCarabao CupJanuary 20, 2018Wolves 0-2 Nottingham ForestChampionshipSeptember 16, 2017Nottingham Forest 1-2 WolvesChampionshipENJOYED THIS STORY?

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(C)WolvesUseful links

Nottingham Forest team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Premier League top scorers 2022-23

Barcelona moved back to the top of the La Liga table with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou, thanks to a first half effort from Pedri.

Barcelona had teenagers Pedri and Gavi to thank after returning to the top of the table ahead of next weekend’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid.

Xavi had to prepare his squad for the contest while coping with a long list of injury absentees, including the likes of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Hector Bellerin.

Despite the loss of some key men, Barca took an early lead when Gavi teed up Pedri to open the scoring in the 17th minute.

Barcelona were dominant in the first 45 minutes and were good value for their half-time lead but Celta came roaring back after the break and had chances to equalise.

Strand Larsen did get the ball in the back of the net for the visitors but Barcelona escaped when it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen then saved from Iago Aspas in the closing stages as Barca hung on to three vital points that will see them arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 16 above Real Madrid in the table.

GettyWinners

Pedri: The Barcelona teenager got his name on the scoresheet for just the second time this season with the opening goal. He made the run into the penalty area and was rewarded when the ball broke kindly to him, giving him a very simple finish.

Barcelona have been reliant on Robert Lewandowski for goals this season and Pedri’s strike is exactly what Xavi will want from his midfielder this season.

The 19-year-old has now scored eight goals in La Liga so far from just 16 shots on target.

Gavi: The teenager was the absolute star of the show for Barcelona with a typically tenacious, hard-working and thoroughly effective performance. He drove the Catalans on and was a big reason why Xavi’s side took home all three points.

The first goal came from Gavi’s drive and desire to make things happen. The teenager escaped down the left and put a ball into the box which was finished off by Pedri to give Barcelona the lead.

Gavi followed that up with a brilliant piece of play that summed him up completely. The teenager chased back and put in a superb challenge to take the ball off Iago Aspas, seconds later he was connecting with a cross at the far post and was inches away from scoring. Absolutely Relentless.

Barcelona left-backs: Xavi named not one, not two but three left-backs in his starting XI for the clash against Celta after seeing Araujo, Kounde, Christensen and Bellerin all ruled out through injury.

Eric Garcia was left on the bench, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Inter, leaving Xavi to start young left-back Alejandro Balde on the right, with Jordi Alba on the opposite flank and Marcos Alonso in the middle alongside Pique.

It was a patched-up defence and had a few shaky moments, especially in the second half, but ultimately did the job against Aspas and Co. The results also means that Barcelona have still only conceded once in La Liga so far this season.

AdvertisementGettyLosers

Ferran Torres: The Spain international was handed a rare start by Xavi but did little to suggest he should stay in the starting XI ahead of key games against Inter and Real Madrid.

Torres is struggling for form and confidence and an early miss will have done little to help his cause. Another tame shot was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.

The January signing was replaced by Ansu Fati just after the hour mark and he will have to get used to life back on the bench.

Raphinha: The Brazilian was back on the right flank for Barcelona after a tough time on the left against Inter in midweek in the Champions League.

Raphinha certainly didn't lack for effort but is struggling to convince at Camp Nou right now. He tested Marchesín with an early shot from range but the goalkeeper was equal to it.

The summer arrival was then left furious after being denied a penalty in the first half and was hooked for Ousmane Dembele on the hour.

Iago Aspas: The Celta Vigo striker usually loves playing Barcelona and headed to Camp Nou with 10 goals in 15 games against the Catalan giants.

The striker’s eyes may have lit up when he saw Xavi’s teamsheet too, with three left-backs in the back four, but the hosts coped with the threat of Aspas well.

Aspas also spurned a glorious chance to equalise with 83 minutes on the clock. The striker only had Marc-Andre ter Stegen to beat inside the penalty area but saw his effort saved by the German's right boot.

GettyBarcelona Ratings: Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10): Another clean sheet for the goalkeeper who has still only been beaten once this season. Made an important stop from Aspas late on to preserve the win for the hosts.

Alejandro Balde (6/10): The teenage left-back was deployed on the right once again due to Barca’s injury problems and put in a solid shift. Replaced late on by Sergi Roberto.

Gerard Pique (7/10): Started the season on the bench but Barca's injury crisis has allowed him back into the starting XI. Put in a solid showing and had a chance at the other end with a header that flew over.

Marcos Alonso (6/10): The left-back partnered Gerard Pique at centre-back and did a good job up against Aspas. Brilliant block to deny Oscar in the second half.

Jordi Alba (6/10): Back in the starting XI and put some quality deliveries in the Celta penalty early on but was guilty of some sloppy passing that put Barca in trouble after the break.

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Sergio Busquets (6/10): Had to drop really deep in the second half as Celta pressed hard for the equaliser. Could be seen urging his team-mates on as the visitors threatened a comeback.

Gavi (8/10): An all-action showing from the teenager. Was absolutely everywhere and set up the first goal for Pedri.

Pedri (8/10): Followed Gavi into the box and was on hand to net the winner with his second goal of the season. Won’t score many easier goals in his career.