Lionel Messi benched for Barcelona title decider as Ernesto Valverde keeps one eye on Liverpool clash

Messi left out of the starting XI for tonight's clash with Levante.
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Ben Hayward27 April 2019

Lionel Messi has been named on the bench for Barcelona as the Catalans aim to tie up La Liga with a win against Levante tonight.

The Argentine attacker is among the substitutes as coach Ernesto Valverde looks ahead to Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool.

Sergio Busquets is also left out of the league game at Camp Nou with the midfielder short of full fitness and struggling in recent weeks.

That means another start for Arturo Vidal, alongside Ivan Rakitic and Arthur, with Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez further forward.

Nelson Semedo starts at right-back ahead of Sergi Roberto, who is also on the bench.

Barca need a win over Levante to claim the title in front of their own fans, with three rounds of La Liga still to be played after this weekend.

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