Celta stage stunning late fightback to deny Barcelona win
Celta rescued a point against Barcelona in dramatic 2-2 draw at Estadio Abanca-BalaĂdos in Vigo.
Celta started well, going direct and putting pressure on the Barcelona defence with balls out wide and over the top.
It was the La Liga leaders who struck first though, with the in-form Raphinha grabbing his eighth goal of the league campaign after he brilliantly went past Oscar Mingueza before slotting his effort past Vicente Guaita.
The hosts almost equalised just three minutes later when Ilaix Moriba struck a superb looping volley from distance which Inaki Pena did well to tip over the crossbar.
Barcelona doubled their lead on the hour mark when Robert Lewandowski bundled the ball past Carl Starfelt before stroking his effort beyond Guaita for his 15th La Liga goal of the season.
Celta were offered a lifeline eight minutes from time when Barcelona went down to 10 men after Marc Casado was shown a second yellow card.
Just four minutes later the hosts had pulled one back, with Alfon Gonzalez capitalising on a Jules Kounde mistake at the back to poke an effort past Pena.
Celta completed the comeback just two minutes later when substitute Hugo Alvarez went past Hector Fort before sliding his effort into the bottom corner.
Talking Point â Another Blaugrana stumble
After a near-flawless start to their La Liga campaign in which Barca won 11 of their first 12 matches, Hansi Flickâs side have now picked up just one point from their last two encounters, losing 1-0 to Real Sociedad before throwing away their 2-0 lead to Celta.
Of course, itâs not quite a crisis given it is only two matches, but the manner in which Barca surrendered their lead will be somewhat of a concern for Flick.
Barca still have a five-point gap at the summit of La Liga, but will be frustrated that the gap is not a healthier eight-point one.
Flick’s side will be vying for a response as they host Brest in the UEFA Champions League – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Tuesday, before returning to league action against Las Palmas at home, where they will look to put an end to this mini-blip.
Player of the Match â Raphinha (Barcelona)
The Brazilian has been the star of the show this season for Barcelona and he put in another solid performance tonight, despite the scoreline.
His opening goal was a brilliant one and he remained a threat all evening. His direct dribbling was a problem for Celtaâs defence. He didnât end on the winning side but it was another strong showing from the Barca man.
Player Ratings:
RC Celta: Guaita 7, Rodriguez 7, Starfelt 6, Alonso 6, Mingueza 7, Alvarez 7, Beltran 6, Moriba 7, Bamba 6, Aspas 7, Douvikas 6 Subs: Gonzalez 7, Sotelo 6, Iglesias 6, Duran N/A
FC Barcelona: Pena 7, Martin 6, Martinez 6, Cubarsi 6, Kounde 6, Casado 5, Pedri 6, Raphinha 8, Gavi 7, Olmo 7, Lewandowski 7 Subs: Fort 7, De Jong 6, Lopez 6, Torre N/A, Victor N/A
Match Highlights
15â GOAL! RC CELTA 0-1 FC BARCELONA (RAPHINHA) – It’s that man again Raphinha! A fantastic goal from the Brazilian, who chopped inside away from Oscar Mingueza onto his left foot before firing his effort past Guaita.
18â A BIG CHANCE FOR CELTA! – Ilaix Moriba goes close on the volley from distance! His looping effort is tipped over by Inaki Pena for a Celta corner.
61â GOAL! RC CELTA 0-2 FC BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI) – Barcelona have their second of the night! Robert Lewandowski bundles the ball past Carl Starfelt before firing his effort past Guaita. That could be a huge goal for Barcelona.
84â GOAL! RC CELTA 1-2 FC BARCELONA (ALFON GONZALEZ) – That one will certainly count! Substitute Alfon Gonzalez has pulled one back after a mistake from Kounde. Gonzalez put pressure on the Barca defender to win the ball before slotting home.
86â GOAL! RC CELTA 2-2 FC BARCELONA (ALVAREZ) – Incredible! Celta have completed the turnaround in two minutes! Hugo Alvarez does brilliantly to go past Hector Fort before firing home his effort into the bottom corner.
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