23 November 2016 at 19:45
Match Summary
Barcelona defeated Celtic 2:0. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2016. Goals were scored by L. Messi 24′, L. Messi 55′ (pen.). 7 yellow cards were shown. Celtic had 36% possession while Barcelona held 64%. Celtic had 6 shots (3 on target) compared to 10 (4 on target) for Barcelona. Celtic made 3 substitutions, Barcelona made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Celtic and Barcelona — 2 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Neymar
Penalty
Match Statistics
Celtic had 36% possession against Barcelona's 64%. Celtic registered 6 shots (3 on target) while Barcelona managed 10 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 1–5. Fouls committed: 13–12.
Lineups
Celtic lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation under B. Rodgers, while Barcelona deployed a 4-3-3 under Luis Enrique.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Celtic is 7.60, compared to — for Barcelona. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Celtic's highest-rated starter is C. McGregor (7.60), while Barcelona's best-rated player is —.
Defensive Solidity
Celtic deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Barcelona's 3-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Celtic field 5 midfielders averaging 7.60, versus Barcelona's 4 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Celtic start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Barcelona averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 91% for Celtic and —% for Barcelona. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Celtic's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Barcelona. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Celtic's starting XI is 32.0 (youngest: C. McGregor (32), oldest: C. McGregor (32)), while Barcelona average 33.0 (youngest: M. ter Stegen (33), oldest: M. ter Stegen (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Celtic's starters average 2 league appearances each, versus 0 for Barcelona. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: B. Rodgers
Substitutes
Coach: Luis Enrique
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Celtic have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Barcelona show 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Celtic
Barcelona
Celtic vs Barcelona Head to Head Results
Celtic and Barcelona have met 6 times — Celtic won 1, Barcelona won 5, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Barcelona leads the head-to-head with 5 victories from 6 meetings. A combined 25 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.17 per match (5 for the home side, 20 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 4 matches (67%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 5 games (83%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Barcelona are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 7–0 in 2016.
1
Celtic
0
Drawn
5
Barcelona
Recent Meetings (6)
API data: 23 Apr 2026