Barcelona welcomed Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday knowing that a point would secure top spot in Group H.
The home side, who entered the match having lost two of their last three games in all competitions, led 3-0 interval courtesy of goals from Gerard Pique, Pedro and Neymar.
Neymar scored his second in the early stages of the second period, before the Brazilian completed his hat-trick with 30 minutes remaining.
The home side were not finished as Cristian Tello made it 6-0 in the latter stages, but Georgios Samaras had a late consolation for Celtic.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The group stage of the Champions League draws to a close this evening, with a number of teams battling for a spot in the next round. Barcelona have already booked their spot in the final 16, but they need to secure at least a point against Celtic at the Camp Nou to guarantee that they finish top of the section.
However, Celtic will exit the competition this evening regardless of the result. The Scottish outfit also have no chance of finishing in third position – and therefore gaining a spot in the Europa League – as they sit bottom of the table on three points. As it stands, third-place Ajax have seven points and second-place AC Milan have eight.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Sergi Roberto is handed a start in midfield for the home side this evening, while Martin Montoya and Jose Pinto are also named in the XI. As expected, Neymar will start through the middle. Celtic, meanwhile, have Georgios Samaras back after illness. Scott Brown will also skipper the Scottish outfit from midfield. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Pinto; Montoya, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Roberto; Pedro, Neymar, Sanchez
CELTIC: Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Ledley; Matthews, Brown, Biton, Boerrigter; Samaras, Pukki
So there we have it. Good news for Barcelona with Jordi Alba making his return, although the left-back starts on the bench at the Camp Nou. Andres Iniesta and Carlos Puyol are also in the squad for the Spanish champions. Celtic, meanwhile, recall Pukki to their attack, but Kris Commons and Anthony Stokes are surprisingly named on the bench.
As mentioned, Barcelona secured all three points in the reverse fixture in Scotland, but it was far from straightforward. The home side had their moments during an atmospheric night in Glasgow, but a late Cesc Fabregas header ensured that Barcelona left with all the points. Barca boss Gerardo Martino will be expecting a more comfortable occasion this evening.
That said, Celtic made it difficult when they travelled to Barcelona in the group stages last season. In fact, the Scottish outfit were moments away from securing a point, only for Jordi Alba to strike four minutes into stoppage time, handing the home side all the points. Celtic did prevail in the reverse clash in Scotland, however, with Tony Watt scoring in a 2-1 win.
The Scottish champions also prevailed when the two sides met in the 2003-04 UEFA Cup fourth round. Boss Neil Lennon was a player in Martin O’Neill’s side in that campaign as the Hoops overcame Barcelona 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a strike from Alan Thompson. Thompson’s goal came in Scotland, before the return leg in Spain ended goalless.
As it stands, Barcelona currently sit top of Group H on 10 points. They have won three of their five matches, drawing once and also losing once. They opened their campaign with a 4-0 win at home to Ajax, before beating Celtic in Glasgow and drawing against AC Milan in Italy. They made it 10 points from four games by beating Milan 3-1 in the Camp Nou.
Disappointment came last time out, however, as they lost 2-1 at Ajax, which kept the home side’s hopes of qualification for the next round alive. Ajax currently sit third in the group, but would climb above Milan if they win in Italy this evening. As mentioned, Barcelona are already through, but need to at least draw to be certain of topping the group.
Celtic, meanwhile, opened their group campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to AC Milan, before losing in Scotland against Barcelona. The Scottish outfit kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win in Glasgow against Ajax, but they lost the reverse fixture in Holland to leave them bottom of the section.
They needed to beat AC Milan in Scotland to stand a chance of qualifying, but lost 3-0 to a dominant Italian side. It has been a desperately disappointing Champions League campaign for Neil Lennon’s side, having lost four and won just one of their group matches. They have scored just twice, meanwhile, and conceded eight times.
Celtic are winless in their last 13 previous visits to La Liga opposition, losing 10 times in the process. What’s more, the Scottish outfit have lost 24 of their last 26 fixtures on the road in European competition. As it stands, the only Scottish team to win in the Camp Nou was Dundee United, who triumphed 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 1986/87 UEFA Cup.
Barcelona, however, enter this match in a sticky run of form. They have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions, with their 20-game unbeaten run at the start of the season coming to an end with back-to-back defeats against Ajax and Athletic Bilbao. Question marks have also been raised over a perceived change in playing style under Gerardo Martino.
Despite those concerns, Barcelona still sit top of La Liga on 40 points. However, they are only ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference and sit just three points above third-place Real Madrid. They have been in fine form in Spain this season, scoring 42 goals and conceding just nine on their way to the top of the table.
Celtic, meanwhile, are also enjoying success in Scotland. The Hoops are unbeaten in 17 matches in the league and have scored 12 unanswered goals in their last two matches, both on the road and at home. They have won 11 of their 14 league matches, with that run of results leaving them top of the table on 36 points, seven clear of second-place Inverness.
Here’s a word from Celtic boss Neil Lennon in a pre-match press conference. He told gathering reporters: "We have played very well against them over the three games. I am just hoping we can continue that and it doesn’t just fade away in the last game." The pressure is off the away side this evening, which could work in their favour.
Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino refused to play down the importance of the match, despite qualification already secured. He told reporters: “We know the consequences for Barcelona of every match - this is an important game in all aspects - we have to finish top, we have to win and put in a good performance. For us, every game is tough and each one has consequences.”
PREDICTION: Barcelona are without a number of key players this evening, but their XI is still extremely strong. Celtic have impressed against the Spanish champions in recent seasons, but you have to fear for them this evening. In truth, I am expecting a comfortable victory for Barcelona. My score prediction is 3-0.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. As expected, there is a sensational atmosphere inside this famous stadium. There is just something special about Champions League nights at the Camp Nou.
Just a reminder of the main team news. Roberto starts in midfield for Barcelona, while Pedro and Martin Montoya also come into the team. Celtic have Samaras back from illness, but Stokes and Commons both drop out of the XI. Let's hope for a match full of goals in Barcelona. The home side get the first period underway.
As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early moments with the likes of Pique, Xavi and Roberto enjoying plenty of the ball. Alexis Sanchez collects a pass from the latter in attack, but Ambrose is on hand to clear. You just get the feeling that Celtic need to stay in the match in the opening couple of minutes.
Penalty shout for the home side as Lustig pushes Neymar inside the box, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given. That said, the cross from Xavi was too high for the Brazilian forward. Sloppy start from Celtic as they continue to relinquish possession in the middle of the park. Xavi has a half-chance inside the box, but Van Dijk is across to clear.
It's poor defending from Pique as the Barcelona centre-back turns into trouble on the edge of the box, but Brown cannot make the most of the situation. Biton attempts to force one towards Boerrigter moments later, but the Dutchman had moved into an offside position. End-to-end football with six minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pedro finds Neymar inside the box, but Van Dijk is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner is worked short to Xavi, who finds Montoya, but the move breaks down outside the area. Plenty happening at the Camp Nou.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Celtic (Pique)
Barcelona take the lead inside seven minutes as Pique finds the top of the net after Forster had denied Sanchez from close range. In truth, it had been coming. Celtic have struggled to come to terms with the intensity in this European fixture.
You just get the feeling that this could be a long night for Celtic. Pedro threatens down the right as he cuts inside before drilling a cross towards Neymar, but Ambrose is across to clear. The away side just cannot keep the ball, however, with Barcelona starting again from the back. One-way traffic at the Camp Nou.
Another half-chance for the home side as Montoya collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his effort deflects wide of the post. Once more, the resulting corner is worked short to Xavi, but Ambrose manages to poke clear at the vital moment. It is almost like a training exercise for the home side at the moment. Celtic need to hang in here.
Opportunity for Celtic to threaten as Biton works it wide to Boerrigter, but his cross moves straight out for a goal kick. We have seen little from Samaras and Pukki inside the opening 15 minutes. Celtic enjoy a period of possession moments later, but Mascherano deals with Brown inside the box.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona remain in control of the match. Brown is doing his best to unsettle the home side's midfield, but there is too much space in the middle of the park. Barcelona continue to pass and probe at the Camp Nou.
Celtic are not too interested in defending at the moment as they continue to force the issue when possible, but the final pass has not been there thus far. Ledley finds Samaras on the right moments later, but the Greek loses possession. Not too much in terms of opportunities for Barcelona since they took the lead.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the middle of the park. Barcelona want a free kick outside the box as Neymar goes down under the challenge of Brown, but the referee is not interested. Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona, but not many chances inside 22 minutes at the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! An extended period of Barcelona possession brings a chance as Sanchez finds Pedro inside the box, but the Spaniard's effort is blocked by Ambrose. Moments before, Pedro has found Neymar inside the area, but Lustig was on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Opportunity for Celtic to force the issue as Brown delivers a deep free kick into the box, but Pique clears under pressure from Samaras. Barcelona break down the other end with Pedro, but Ledley fells the Spaniard. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could decide this match.
Penalty shout for Barcelona as Matthews appears to fell Sanchez inside the box, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given there is no question about that. Ledley fells Pedro moments later, handing a free kick to Barcelona, but Ambrose makes a fine challenge to deny Pique.
Opportunity for Pukki to stretch his legs as the forward is found by Van Dijk, but he had just moved into an offside position. Barcelona look long for Pedro moments later, but Forster is out to collect. If Celtic can keep it at 1-0 until the interval, then you would fancy them to cause Barcelona problems in the second period.
It just is not happening for Samaras at the moment as the Greek forward continues to lose possession in the final third. He has caused Barcelona problems over the last couple of seasons, but not this evening. The home side continue to control possession with Xavi and Busquets setting the tempo. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.
It's wonderful work from Neymar as the Brazilian drives down the left before cutting inside and finding a cross towards Sanchez, but Lustig manages to clear at the vital moment. The noise level rises inside the stadium as the home side attack once more with Neymar, but he is challenges inside the box. Wonderful skills from the Brazilian.
Good pressure from Celtic in the last couple of moments as they force a corner before Biton strikes one from outside the box, but Pique is on hand to make the block. The home side break down the other end with Sanchez, but the Chilean loses possession. End-to-end football with 37 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes with Celtic enjoying more of the ball in the Barcelona half. Pukki attempts to force the issue with a charge down the left, but Montoya is across to clear. Fairly subdued atmosphere inside the Camp Nou with 40 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Celtic (Pedro)
Barcelona have their second of the match five minutes before the interval as Neymar drives down the right before finding Pedro, who finishes in the bottom corner. Breakaway goal from the home side.
It is harsh on Celtic, but Barcelona have been the more potent force in the final third. The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments, however, as the challenges arrive from both sides. Celtic just need to be a little bit careful here.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Celtic (Neymar)
Barcelona have their third on the stroke of the interval as Sanchez finds Montoya, who plays in Neymar and the Brazilian cannot miss from close range. Finally the former Santos forward has his goal in the Champions League.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Celtic
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 3-0. Pique opened the scoring after seven minutes from close range, before two goals in the final five minutes sent the home side three goals ahead. It is harsh on Celtic, who have had their moments in the opening 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had nine attempts to Celtic's one. In addition, all Barcelona's attempts have been on target. In truth, it has been an incredibly one-sided half of football in Spain. Celtic have it all to do at this stage.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Iniesta, Tello and Dongou. Meanwhile, Alba could also have a run-out. Celtic, meanwhile, have the likes of Commons, Stokes and Mulgrew in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Barcelona need a point to top the group. In Group H's other fixture, AC Milan and Ajax are goalless at the interval. As it stands, Milan will join Barca in the next round. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway at the Camp Nou.
Celtic have made one change at the interval with Mulgrew replacing Pukki, which is not much of a surprise. The former really struggled in the first period. Samaras has moved into a more central area for the Scottish outfit. It is already about damage limitation for the away side, with Barcelona in the mood for goals.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Celtic (Neymar)
Neymar scores his second of the match as the Brazilian combines with Xavi before firing a sensational effort into the top corner. Wonderful football from the Spanish champions.
So much for damage limitation at the start of the half. Neymar is on a hat-trick with the best part of 40 minutes remaining. Celtic have been all over the place in defence this evening. They just cannot get the ball at the moment as another attack builds from a deep position.
Opportunity for Barcelona to threaten from a free kick as Neymar is felled outside the box. Xavi bends his effort towards the top corner, but Forster is on hand to push clear. The resulting corner is worked short to Adriano, but his effort is straight at Samaras from just outside the box.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona are in total control of the possession. It is almost like a training session as they pass and probe outside the area. Pedro sizes up Forster moments later, but the Celtic stopper comes out on top. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining.
In fairness to Celtic they have managed to repel the danger in the last couple of moments, but they continue to struggle in the final third. Brown fires a deep free kick into the Barca box moments later, but Samaras's header goes straight through to Pinto.
GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Celtic (Neymar)
Barcelona have their fifth and Neymar has his third as the Brazilian drives into the box before striking towards the bottom corner. It takes a deflection off Matthews, but it will go down as a Neymar goal.
It has not been a vintage performance from the home side, which makes the scoreline even more impressive or indeed worrying from a Celtic perspective. You have to fear for the Scottish outfit in the final 30 minutes or so as the home side continue to boss possession. One-way traffic at the Camp Nou.
Xavi looks for the run of Neymar once more after Samaras loses possession in the final third, but Mulgrew is across to make the challenge. The home supporters are urging their side to break forward, which is not good news for Celtic. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona make their first change of the evening as Sanchez is replaced by Tello, who has just returned from an ankle injury. Half-chance for Celtic moments later as Mulgrew strikes one from outside the box, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Still 5-0 Barcelona with 65 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Incredible mix-up in the Barcelona attack as Neymar rounds Forster inside the Celtic box, but Pedro gets in his way, before firing his effort straight at Van Dijk. What was Pedro doing?!
Barcelona continue to dominate possession at the Camp Nou as Xavi slides a pass towards Tello, but the winger loses possession at the vital moment. Pedro has possession down the right in the next attack, but Matthews is across to make the challenge. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
Matthews picks up a booking inside the Barcelona box for simulation, but it is incredibly harsh. Celtic make their second change moments later as Commons replaces Biton. It is a surprise that the Scot was not named in the starting XI. Xavi slides one towards Tello down the other end in the next attack, but the flag is raised.
GOAL! Barcelona 6-0 Celtic (Tello)
Barcelona have number six as Neymar finds Tello, whose effort deflects off Van Dijk before nestling in the top corner. Barcelona make their second change moments later as Alex Song replaces Busquets.
There is no respite for Celtic at the moment as Barcelona continue to force the issue in the final third. Six is not enough for the Spanish outfit at the moment there is no question about that. It would not be a surprise to see the young striker Dongou introduced in the final 10 minutes or so.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Neymar as the Brazilian cuts inside two defenders before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Forster is across to make a fine save with his feet. It remains 6-0 Barcelona.
I am trying to work out whether Barcelona have been sensational this evening or whether Celtic have been very poor. I think it is a bit of both. Xavi attempts to thread a pass towards Neymar moments later, but the move breaks down when Matthews heads behind his own crossbar. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for Ledley this time as the Welshman meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but his effort is straight at Pinto from close range. Tello has possession down the other end moments later, but his effort is straight at Lustig. It appears that Dongou will soon enter the action for the home side.
Indeed the change is made as 18-year-old Dongou replaces Neymar, who has been the star of the show this evening. Can the teenager add to the scoring in the latter stages? Barcelona continue to enjoy possession as we approach the final five minutes. It has been so comfortable for the Catalan outfit.
Celtic make their third and final change as Stokes replaces Matthews, who has arguably been his side's best player this season. Stokes is involved in the Barcelona box moments later, but he is ruled offside. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining. Is there time for one more?
GOAL! Barcelona 6-1 Celtic (Samaras)
Celtic have their consolation this evening as Samaras heads a wonderful cross from Mulgrew into the back of the net. At least the travelling supporters have had something to cheer this evening.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It has been a wonderful performance from the Spanish champions. They will indeed top their group ahead of the draw for the knockout stages.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Samaras to score his second as he rounds Pinto, but Pique is on hand to make a fine clearance at the vital moment.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 6-1 Celtic
So there we have it. Neymar scores three times as Barcelona beat Celtic 6-1. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Until then!
