Barcelona Not a fan of changing things

Luis Enrique's fatal mistake

Luis Enrique: The instructions were clear, do not give away fouls

The closing stages of games involving Barcelona do have differences which set them apart from other matches. Chief among them is the fact that very rarely are all of the side's substitutions used by Luis Enrique. In 22 official games this season, the coach has not used his three permitted changes on 10 occasions. With a very strong squad at his disposal and an increasingly busy schedule, it is surprising that the tactician has opted not to freshen things up in almost half of the Blaugrana's games.

Real Betis (6-2)

Barcelona cruised to a victory on the first day of the season but only two substitutions were made as Jordi Alba made way for Lucas Digne and Denis Suarez replaced Munir. The tracksuit tops didn't come off for outfielders Douglas, Aleix Vidal, Sergi Samper and Wilfrid Kaptoum.

Celtic (7-0)

In Barcelona's first Champions League game, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets were rested early, replaced by Andres Iniesta and Rafinha respectively. Digne, Javier Mascherano, Arda Turan and Paco Alcacer were unused.

Atletico Madrid (1-1)

With Barcelona 1-0 up approaching the 60th minute, Luis Enrique made changes by replacing the injured Messi with Turan and Andre Gomes coming in for Busquets. The Rojiblancos soon equalised and Digne, Denis, Jeremy Mathieu and Alcacer were all left twiddling their thumbs.

Sporting Gijon (5-0)

An easy thrashing went Barcelona's way at El Molinon, with Luis Enrique making two of his changes before the final three goals. Denis and Alcacer replaced Busquets and Suarez respectively. Unused on that occasion were Alba, Mascherano, Iniesta and Rakitic.

Borrusia Monchengladbach (2-1)

With Barcelona trailing in this away clash, they were much more improved after Alcacer and Rakitic were replaced by Turan and Rafinha. Left on the bench were Digne, Mathieu, Gomes and Denis.

Valencia (3-2)

Only two changes were made at the Estadio Mestalla and one was forced upon them through Iniesta's injury. Rakitic replaced him and Denis came on for Gomes at 2-2. Mathieu, Vidal, Alcacer and Alena were left watching on..

Granada (1-0)

A hard-fought win against the LaLiga strugglers at Camp Nou was secured using by making only two changes. Alcacer came in for Suarez and Gomes for Denis. Marlon, Nili, Busquets and Alena remained on the bench.

Manchester City (3-1)

With Barcelona 2-1 in arrears early in the second half, Luis Enrique looked to change things by bringing in Turan for Rakitic and Rafinha received the final 15 minutes instead of Gomes. Marlon, Nili, Denis and Alcacer sat waiting for a call that never came.

Sevilla (1-2)

The third change wasn't used by the former Celta Vigo boss in a tight encounter as Gomes and Rafinha were called upon to take the place of Denis and Rakitic. Marlon, Nili, Turan and Alcacer remained benched.

Real Sociedad (1-1)

A most extreme case came at the Anoeta when just one change was made. Denis replaced Rakitic at the break. Marlon almost replaced Gerard Pique through injury but fortunately for the Blaugrana in terms of the rules, he stayed on the bench alongside Digne, Rafinha, Alena and Alcacer.