• Captain Lionel Messi was rested and missed a second European trip in a row 
  • Barcelona, who have already qualified for the knockout stages, eased to victory
  • Barca will top group if they avoid defeat against second-placed Juventus next

Antoine Griezmann, Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele net in opening 28 minutes as Barca cruise to victory without Lionel Messi. 

Barcelona were three up inside the first half an hour.

Griezmann scored the first with a back heel from a Jordi Alba cross. It was his third in three games and Barcelona were on their way.

On 21 minutes Dembele crossed from the left and Braithwaite finished from close range to make it 2-0.

He is playing himself into the plans of Ronald Koeman having been a forgotten man at the start of the season.

Barcelona scored again on 28 minutes when Braithwaite raced clear and was brought down by Abraham Frimpong. Dembele took the ball and sent it past Denes Dibusz.

The second half slowdown and the failure to add more goals should take nothing from the performance.

Barcelona go into the final week of the Champions League group stage with top spot secured.

Communication and Media Trainer. Believer in humility and kindness. Ardent Sports Fan.

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