Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has stated that he always planned to bring match-winner Lionel Messi on during the club's 1-0 triumph over Levante on Saturday evening.
The Catalans claimed their eighth La Liga title in 11 years courtesy of the victory, nine points now separating them from second-placed Atletico Madrid. Messi was brought on for Philippe Coutinho at half-time with the scores level, breaking the deadlock shortly after the hour with an ice-cool side-footed finish into the far corner.
It appeared that the Argentine forward would be rested this weekend, with La Blaugrana welcoming Liverpool to the Nou Camp on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.