Barcelona to stiffen defence for ECL clash

Barcelona are eyeing their Champions League opener against Celtic as a chance to make amends for their shock 2-1 defeat at home to La Liga newcomers Alaves.

With many of his players in action with their international sides in midweek, coach Luis Enrique rotated his squad, resting regulars Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and talisman Lionel Messi.

The decision backfired on Saturday and Alaves, playing in the top flight for the first time in a decade, made the most of their few chances, frustrating the champions even after Suarez, Messi and Iniesta came on.

Ibai Gomez's 64th minute strike won the game for the Basques after Jeremy Mathieu had cancelled out Deyverson's surprise opener.

"We made a lot of changes so the freshest players could play but we were fragile in defence and we have to look at that," said Luis Enrique.

"Conceding the second goal after an error of ours was a big blow for the players but on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) we're playing the Champions League and that's another story.

"In that competition you pay dearly for your errors."

Luis Enrique is expected to field his first choice 11 against Celtic, so Suarez will meet up with his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers presided over the Uruguayan's best two seasons in England, compelling Barcelona to pay the Merseyside club $A120 million for him in 2014.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is the coach's only doubt after he missed the Alaves game with a muscle strain.

Celtic head to Spain on a high after thrashing Glasgow rivals Rangers 5-1 on Saturday in the first league Old Firm derby in over four years to stay top of the Scottish Premiership.