Celta, Iago Aspas provide second test for Koeman's Barca
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E-mail Xinhua, September 30, 2020
MADRID, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona play their second match of the new season on Thursday night when they travel to play Celta Vigo.
Celta held Barca to a 2-2 draw last season, with Iago Aspas netting a late equalizer and the now departed Luis Suarez scoring twice for Barca, so Thursday will be an indication as to how the two teams have evolved in the last three months.
Ronald Koeman saw his reign as Barca coach get off to a flying start on Sunday when Ansu Fati led them to an easy 4-0 win at home to Villarreal, with all four goals coming before the break.
The 18-year-old scored Barca's first two goals himself, before winning a penalty that was converted by Leo Messi and captured rave reviews in the press.
Messi was in the headlines on Wednesday after an interview in which he apologized to Barca fans for requesting to leave the club over the summer saying he "accepted" his "error" in an attempt to bring some further calm after a difficult few months at the club.
Barca are still working in the transfer market, however, with Ousmane Dembele now linked to a move to Manchester United as the club chases Memphis Depay - a personal request of Koeman's.
The Barca boss is unlikely to make many changes to the team that defeated Villarreal, partly because he has no alternatives at right back or central defense, where Sergi Roberto, Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique currently have few options other than to continue.
Meanwhile Jordi Alba's display at the weekend makes fans wonder why he was included in the list of possible summer departures.
Francisco Trincao, Miralem Pjanic and Pedri will all have to wait their turn on the bench, while whether or not Dembele is included will give an indication over the French international's future.
Celta meanwhile will put their faith in Aspas, who has already scored three goals this season and will be a handful for the Barca back line.
Other games on Thursday see Athletic Club at home to Cadiz, while Sevilla entertain Levante in the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Enditem
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