Thursday 7 November 2019 12:06, UK
Luis Enrique congratulated his Barcelona players after they sealed Champions League progress from "a tough group" with a 2-0 win over Celtic on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi scored twice at Parkhead to ensure the Spanish side will finish top of Group C, ahead of Manchester City, Borussia Monchengladbach and Celtic.
They face the German side on the final matchday before the knockout stages, and the Barcelona boss praised his players for wrapping up qualification with a game to spare.
"It was quite a hard game," Luis Enrique said. "We expected Celtic to press high. We were good at the break and improved as the game went on.
"It was a very difficult group and it was great to finish first with a game to spare. In one of the toughest groups, we have come top. I have to congratulate the team.
"In the first half I can't remember Celtic having a clear chance and Messi as usual was at a really high level."
Neymar and Gerard Pique were replaced late on, with the former suspended for the final group game having picked up a booking in Glasgow.
The Brazil international was involved in a running battle with Celtic defender Mikael Lustig in the second half, but Luis Enrique insisted he was not concerned about a red card for the forward.
"It was just the last five to 10 minutes there was an issue with regards to the crowd shouting," he added. "But the crowd were great, this is a great place to play. It was just handbags with a Celtic player.
"We changed him to give him a rest, but it was nothing tactical [to avoid a red card]."
"Gerard Pique received a knock to the foot, so it was to give him a rest. Marlon has just come from Brazil, so it's good to give him some time."
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