Barcelona started off to a frustrating first half against Celta Vigo and they took the lead when a failed clearance from Kounde fell to Jørgen Strand in the 19th minute. Barcelona failed to threaten Celta Vigo as they defended very well against the Blaugrana. In the first 45 minutes of the game, tha Catalan Giants had only one chance at goal in which Barcelona loan player Joao Felix blast above the goalkeeper and into the stands.
With a few changes with the starting 11 that started against Royal Antwerp, Xavi rested Gavi, Balde, Raphinha and went with Marcos Alonso, Ferran Torres and Oriol Romeu. Barcelona were slow in attack and sloppy in defense also as we saw Ter Stegen making a lot of saves and Oriol Romeu two impressive clearances to keep Barcelona in the game.
A second half changes from Xavi changed the dynamics of the game as Barcelona created lot of chances while attacking impressively. Celta Vigo goal came in a quick counter attack after Balde lost the ball in the Celta defense. And Iago Aspas wasted no time in finding Anastasios Douvikas who slotted from close range to make it 2-0 in the 76th minute.
Barcelona looked like they had lost it and decided not to go down without a fight. Xavi threw every attacking option he had hoping for a draw or a Remontada. The first goal came from Joao Felix assists. As he flicked the ball above Celta Vigo’s defenders to find Lewandowski who was clinical in his finish under pressure to beat the on rushing Celta Goalkeeper.
Barcelona scored 3 goals in quick succession under 6 minutes. Something that the fans haven’t seen in a long time. Bringing in Ronald Araujo also motivated the players as they all fought with everything they had. Joao Cancelo who had been awful and wasteful in defense covered up for his blunder by providing the equalizer for Lewandowski and going ahead to score the winning goal as he laid onto a pass from Gavi into the box to finish from close range.
Barcelona may’ve been awful in the first half but they were the better team and deserved to go home with all 3 points. This win keeps them at the top of the table while Real Madrid faces Atletico Madrid tomorrow 8pm.
Xavi’s comments after the game;
"I don't think I can brag today. We ended up winning by taking massive risks in attack, but we easily could have lost too. It's my fault that we did not play well."
The rotation to give players rest was a nice idea, but the team rhythm changes when some key players are missing. The likes of eccentric Balde, relentless Gavi, and Raphinha/Lamal.
PLAYERS RATING
1. MARC TER STEGEN 9/10
He was called into action a lot of time especially in the first half. He bailed his team a lot and kept them in the game. Deservingly man of the match award.
2. JULES KOUNDE 7/10
Celta Vigo caught the defense lacking and a missed clearance from Kounde was punished by Strand.
3. CHRISTENSEN 6.6/10
Christensen saw an early first half yellow card as he was trying to cover for Marcos Alonso
4. MARCOS ALONSO 6/10
A very poor first half performance from him. Too slow in joining the attack and sloppy a bit in defense.
5. JOAO CANCELO 7.8/10
Despite scoring the winner and assisting the equalizer, Cancelo had a terrible first half performance. He misplaced the ball a lot in front of his goal dangering the defense and goalkeeper.
6. ORIOL ROMEU 7.5/10
He was instrumental in the defense and midfield. He had two clearances that were vital in keeping Barcelona in the game.
7. GUNDOGAN 7/10
Didn’t see much of Gundogan in the game but he had 3 key passes, 1 big chance created, 68 touch and 54/59 accurate passes.
8. FRENKIE DE JONG 6.9/10
He was subbed off early because of injury scare and was replaced by Gavi in the 36 minute of the game
9. JOAO FELIX 7.5/10
The star signing was awfully quiet and shut down by Celta Vigo defenders. He got one chance but blasted the ball into the crowd. He gave the first assist for Lewandowski first goal as he chipped the ball above the defenders to find Lewandoski.
10. FERRAN TORRES 7/10
He saw his shot and effort miss the goal by an inche, and also his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Celta Vigo did a great job in defend him but left crumbling when Raphinha and Lamal came on.
11. LEWANDOWSKI 9/10
Lewandowski is back to his best form. Scored two goals in quick succession. 5 goals already in La Liga, Lewandowski is already having a fine start into the season.
12. GAVI 7.3/10
Gavi work rate would have helped in the game if he had started the match. But he came on to replace Frenkie De Jong and showed us why he always gets started. His ball winning ability is top notch and and defensive work rate shouldn’t go unnoticed. He gave the assist for the winning goal as he spotted the run from Joao Cancelo into the box before laying the pass. Great performance.
13. RONALD ARAUJO 8/10
The injured Ronald Araujo returning from injury came on and impressed the fans and showed why he deserved to be among the 5 captains. Always pushing forward and pressing high looking for a goal.
14. BALDE 7/10
Balde changed the rhythm of the game with the attack from the left flank. Something Alonso couldn’t do in the first half.
15. RAPHINHA 7/10
This match we saw Raphinha take on a more reserved role. The center attacking midfielder just behind the striker and also acted played as a false 9. This gave him freedom to roam about the field and exploit the free spaces. Xavi might have just unlock something in him.
16. LAMAL YAMAL 7/10
Came on in the second half and tried working his way through the Celta defenders but was brought down a lot of time. He still needs a little grooming to ease into games and penetrate the defense of the opponent.
What is your take on today’s game?
And what do you think about the rating of the players?
Let us know in the comments section