Liga leaders Barca suffer late collapse in Celta draw

La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a dramatic collapse in a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski’s goals put the Catalans in a healthy position but Marc Casado’s red card in the 82nd minute helped Celta snatch a point.

Alfonso Gonzalez capitalised on a Jules Kounde error to pull a goal back before Hugo Alvarez levelled two minutes later.

Barcelona have won 11 league games this season but this became the third they have failed to take three points from without teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

Coach Hansi Flick said he would challenge his side to win without the injured 17-year-old wing wizard and it seemed like they were managing it until their spectacular late crumble.

Barcelona are five points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, with champions Real Madrid, third, playing on Sunday at Leganes.

“We had the game under control but the red card had a big impact on us and they scored two goals in two moves and we have to learn from that,” Barcelona midfielder Gavi told DAZN.

“The first goal was so stupid, we have to clear the ball there, but it’s football and we have to learn from it, with one man less it’s hard.”

Gavi made his first start in over a year after recovering from a severe knee injury.

“I’m happy, after a year, but the truth is the important thing was the three points and it wasn’t possible,” added the 20-year-old.

Flick shifted Raphinha into Yamal’s position on the right, using Dani Olmo on the left and Pedri in attacking midfield.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 15th minute, slotting home neatly to continue his fine form after Kounde lofted a ball forward for him.

Barcelona left-back Gerard Martin was issued an early booking and lived on the edge in the first half, nudging over Iago Aspas as he ran through but just about staying on the right side of the law.

The defender then fouled Aspas before half-time and was lucky to escape a second booking as Celta’s captain fumed and was issued a yellow card himself for his outburst.

Flick brought off Martin at the break for Hector Fort, fearing a potential dismissal.

– ‘Inexplicable’ –
Hunting for Barcelona’s second, Lewandowski had produced a fine lobbed finish in the first half but the goal was chalked off for offside.

The forward was not to be denied though and just after the hour mark he stroked home Barcelona’s second after Raphinha played him in.

It was the 36-year-old striker’s 15th league goal of the campaign, further extending his vast lead as La Liga’s top scorer.

Inaki Pena made a handful of saves for Barcelona, denying Hugo Alvarez with his leg.

Raphinha could have killed the game off completely but the winger hit the post with a low effort after being sent through.

The Catalans were reduced to 10 men after 82 minutes when recent Spain debutant Casado picked up his second yellow card for fouling former Barca midfielder Ilaix Moriba.

It restored Celta’s belief and moments later they pulled one back when Kounde dallied on the ball in his own area and Gonzalez picked his pocket and finished past Pena.

Two minutes later Alvarez levelled for Celta as Barcelona collapsed, cutting in from the right and finishing clinically to snatch a point.

Celta, 11th, have a strong record at Balaidos against Barcelona in recent years and the players celebrated with their fans at the end of the game.

“We found ourselves with that red card and the (first) goal, and then the second came, it’s inexplicable,” said a delighted Alvarez.

“We got the draw, we wanted more — this team has great quality.”

AFP