In a surprising turn of events, Celta Vigo managed to secure a 2-2 draw against ten-man Barcelona in the Spanish league match on Saturday, held at the Balaidos Stadium. Despite Barcelona leading 2-0 in the final moments of the game, Celta capitalized on Barcelona’s dwindling defense after Marc Casadó received a red card in the 81st minute.
Barcelona’s goals came from Raphinha in the 15th minute and Robert Lewandowski in the 61st minute, giving them a firm advantage. However, the match shifted dramatically following Casadó’s dismissal. Celta took advantage of the extra man, as Alfon González scored in the 84th minute after a mishap from Barcelona’s Jules Koundé, followed by an 86th-minute equalizer from Hugo Álvarez.
Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment, noting that his team’s struggles were evident even before the red card, citing a lack of confidence and poor passing throughout the match. This result marked Barcelona’s second consecutive disappointment since the injury of key player Lamine Yamal.
Koundé took responsibility for the defensive error, acknowledging the need for improvement and focus moving forward. Raphinha’s performance was notable, having filled in effectively for Yamal and contributing significantly to the scoreline before the late-game collapse.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid climbed into second place after a comeback against Alaves, and Valencia offered a heartfelt tribute to flood victims before winning their match against Real Betis. The weekend saw Girona emphatically defeat Espanyol and Mallorca clinch a last-minute victory over Las Palmas, showcasing the competitive spirit of La Liga.
Overall, while Barcelona faces challenges with recent performances, there’s hope for improvement as the team reassesses its strategies moving forward. As the league progresses, each team continues to adapt and overcome various hurdles, making for an exciting season ahead.