Messi and Neymar on target in Barcelona win

Barcelona survived a late scare as they warmed up for their Clasico clash with Real Madrid on Saturday by beating Ajax 3-1 at Camp Nou.

The Catalan giants appeared to be coasting as they led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi. However, Anwar El Ghazi struck with a little over two minutes to go to set up an anxious finish.

But it was a case of too little too late for the Dutch side and Sandro settled home nerves with a calmly taken third in stoppage time.

Barca had not been at their best in the Champions League prior to Ajax’s visit and in truth they did not have to play anywhere near that level at the Camp Nou.

However, victory has rejuvenated their European push, sending them top of Group F, and the ease of their victory has allowed Luis Enrique to rest several key players.

7' - GOAL: Messi picks up the ball in a dangerous position and drives at the Ajax defence, before finding Neymar in the box who curls into the far corner.

24' - GOAL: Andres Iniesta produces a wonderful through ball that Messi tucks home superbly.

29' - POST: A rare first-half attack from Ajax results in a Barcelona break and Pedro smashing a shot against the far post.

39' - ALMOST PERFECT: From nowhere Iniesta accelerates into the area, one-on-one with Jasper Cillessen he tries a chip but the Ajax keeper claws the ball to safety.

52' - CHANCE: Messi dazzles the Ajax defence but forced a little wide can only find the side-netting.

63' - WHOOPS: Not for the first time, Gerard Pique switches off and almost slices Lasse Schone's cross into his own net.

88' - GOAL: Ajax right back in it as El Ghazi finishes off at the far post, following some inept defending.

90+4' - GOAL: Sandro makes sure of the win with a lovely strike across Cillessen and into the far corner.

Messi is now two goals behind Raul's Champions League record. He has 69 while the former Madrid front man scored 71.

Ajax had just one shot on target at the Camp Nou. And they scored with it. Clinical.

What does this mean for El Clasico? It's hard to say exactly how well prepared Barca are following a game they found so easy at times. Goals for Neymar and Messi, and rest for those two and Iniesta will have pleased Luis Enrique. Yet, the Catalans were not at their most clinical at the Camp Nou, and there were enough defensive lapses - particularly from Pique - to have given Carlo Ancelotti and his side cause for quiet optimism of a win at the Bernabeu.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona): Not his greatest game but troubled the Ajax defence every time he got the ball, and with a goal and an assist in the first half was effectively the difference between the two teams. Iniesta and Pedro were also impressive for the hosts.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6, Dani Alves 7, Pique 5, Bartra 6, Alba 7, Rakitic 7, Mascherano 7, Iniesta 8, Pedro 8, Messi 8, Neymar 7. Subs: Sandro 7, El Haddadi 6, Rafinha 6

Ajax: Cillessen 6, van Rhijn 5, Veltman 5, Moisander 6, Viergever 6, Andersen 6, Zimling 5, Klaassen 6, Schone 5, Sigthorsson 5, Kishna 5. Subs: Milik 6, Riedewald 6, El Ghazi 7