Barcelona seemed firmly in control. They were in complete control, it seemed, up 2-0 with mere minutes remaining at Balaídos-but then the game against Celta de Vigo completely flipped on its head. In a frenetic ending marked by defensive errors and a pivotal red card, the Catalan side let victory slip through their fingers to settle for a bitter 2-2 draw.
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While the outcome is keeping Barça at the head of the LaLiga table with 34 points, it exposed weaknesses that could yet prove costly. For Celta, the display was about resilience and determination for an important point that secures their position in 11th place.
Taking Chances When It Matters
In a game where Barcelona never really took complete control, they were typically efficient. The opening goal came in the 14th minute as Jules Koundé launched a long ball forward to find Raphinha. The Brazilian calmly outmaneuvered Mingueza before slotting it into the corner with precision to put Barça ahead.
Soon after, Lewandowski made it two. After a combative ball retrieval by Raphinha, the Polish forward breezed past the defense and calmly finished one-on-one with goalkeeper Guaita.
At the other end, Celta had openings but were off color when it came to finishing touches and found some excellent saves from Iñaki Peña, too. It appeared their profligacy would be punished, yet the final moments of the match had other ideas.
Late-Game Collapse
It was all changed in an instant when Marc Casadó saw his second yellow in the 80th minute. Down to 10 men, the structure of Barça broke down, and Celta didn't hesitate to take advantage of their numerical superiority.
First, Alfon González punished a mistake in the box by Koundé to narrow the deficit; two minutes later, Hugo Álvarez completed the comeback with a brilliant solo effort that leveled matters. It was a gutting blow for Barcelona, who had appeared disjointed at the exact moment they needed composure.
The final moments were filled with attacks from both sides—the visitors seeking a winner to restore their lead, while Celta chased a dramatic win—and the scoreboard did not move beyond 2-2.
Wake-Up Call for Barcelona
The result in Vigo follows last week's defeat to Real Sociedad, meaning Barcelona have failed to win back-to-back LaLiga matches. For the team that went on an unprecedented run of victories, this is now a wake-up call.
The absence of Lamine Yamal, sidelined with an injury to his ankle, has been palpably felt. With the likes of Raphinha and Lewandowski coming to the fore, Yamal's ingenuity and unpredictability have been badly missed in key situations.
Defensive lapses remain a growing concern. Koundé's mistake leading up to Celta's first goal is just one example of the concentration lapses Hansi Flick will need to address in double-quick time.
What Lies Ahead
Despite the setback, Barcelona remains atop the LaLiga standings and is still a favorite for the title. However, this result serves as a stark reminder that consistency is key.
With a crucial Champions League match against Brest on the horizon, Barça must regroup and strike the right balance between clinical finishing and defensive stability to avoid further missteps.