Luis Enrique has reminded Barcelona that Celta Vigo “are the only team who have beaten us twice” ahead of Sunday’s meeting at Camp Nou.
Enrique has lost two of his three matches against Celta, whom he managed during the 2013-14 season, since taking charge of Barca, with September’s 4-1 defeat in Galicia still fresh in the memory, and he warned his side they were in for another tough examination.
“Celta always make life difficult for us,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“They’re the only team who have beaten us twice [since his arrival] and did so clearly [on the second attempt].
“They play a very pleasing brand of football, which I enjoy watching on TV, and are dangerous rivals.
“They’re bold, brave, daring, press high and try to dominate in all aspects of the game.
“Although they have significant casualties, the Coach’s philosophy shines through the squad, which is to have the ball.
“You’ll see a great game, but it’ll involve much difficulty [on our part].
“Unfortunately [Nolito] has gone many games without playing, nor has [Fabian] Orellana.
“Still, they’ve risen beyond [their injuries] and the squad unit is bigger than any individual.
“They are doing very well and remain dangerous, despite their missing players.
“There isn’t only one key [to Celta’s successs]. It’s a sum of many things being done well.
“They’ve been strengthened by the emergence of young players and the ideas of their Coach.
“Ultimately, it’s created their attractive style of play.
“[On a crowded schedule coming up], I’m only interested in Celta, even if we have games every two or three days with little rest.
“It’ll be difficult for another 0-1 to happen like last season.
“We created many chances, Sergio [Busquets] made some great interceptions, we were successful defensively and we played with fluency.
“In the first round [of this season], it was different. They deserved to win and by a big margin, so we’ll have trouble.”
