Messi, Suarez among those rested by Barca with Liverpool in mind

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Barcelona, May 4: Barcelona have rested Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for Saturday's trip to Celta Vigo ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg at Liverpool.

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Ernesto Valverde's side are 3-0 up from the opening leg, which saw Suarez strike against his former club before Messi stole the show with a late brace.

With his side already crowned La Liga champions, Valverde has taken the decision to rest a number of his key players, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Ivan Rakitic also left out of the matchday 18 announced on Friday.

Liverpool, by contrast, cannot afford such selection luxuries ahead of the return fixture on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp's men are a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City ahead of the trip to Newcastle United this weekend, and a defeat at St James' Park would allow Pep Guardiola's side to successfully retain their title with a win over Leicester City on Monday.