Barcelona faced a surprising setback on Saturday as Celta Vigo managed to snatch a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league, despite Barcelona dominating for much of the match. The game shifted dramatically after Barcelona’s Marc Casadó received a second yellow card in the 81st minute, leaving the team with 10 players.
Before the turn of events, the game seemed to be in Barcelona’s favor, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski finding the net to secure a 2-0 lead. However, Celta Vigo capitalized on a mistake from Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, allowing Alfon González to score in the 84th minute. Hugo Álvarez then completed the comeback with an equalizer in the 86th minute, catching Barcelona off guard.
Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, expressed disappointment, noting that the team’s struggles started long before the red card. He highlighted the poor passing and lack of confidence displayed throughout the match.
This draw marks Barcelona’s second consecutive disappointing result since Lamine Yamal’s injury kept him off the field, having previously lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad. Despite these hurdles, Barcelona remains ahead in the league, seven points clear of third-place Real Madrid.
Koundé accepted his role in the outcome, admitting that his careless mistake contributed to Celta’s resurgence. Raphinha, who filled in for Yamal, opened the scoring early in the match, and Lewandowski extended the lead, further showcasing their offensive prowess.
In a positive light, Gavi Páez remarked on the team’s need to learn from this experience as they prepare for their next game. His return from injury adds depth to Barcelona’s squad, which still holds a solid league lead despite recent challenges.
In other matches, Atletico Madrid climbed to second place with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Alaves, and Valencia honored victims of recent floods with an emotional tribute during their first home game since the tragedy, securing a 4-2 win against Real Betis. Girona enjoyed an impressive performance against Espanyol, while Mallorca edged Las Palmas with a late goal.
This round of games not only brought excitement to fans but also highlighted the resilience of teams battling through adversity. As Barcelona and other clubs look to improve, the landscape of the league continues to evolve, promising thrilling matchups ahead.