FC Barcelona looked set for their first defeat of the season against Celta Vigo. However, a late double strike from Lewandowski and Joao Cancelo’s decisive goal turned the game on its head
After two 5-0 victories over Real Betis Sevilla and Royal Antwerp, FC Barcelona faced their next supposedly compulsory task in the league. Against Celta Vigo, who could only collect four points in their first five games, Barça even had the chance to jump to the top of the table at least overnight.
But the task quickly proved unpleasant for Xavi’s side, who brought on Marcos Alonso, Oriol Romeu and Ferran Torres for Balde, Gavi and Raphinha. The visitors made the space in the centre extremely tight and hardly allowed anything. After winning the ball, they quickly went towards the goal. Iago Aspas missed with a shot after 18 minutes, but only a minute later Strand Larsen gave Vigo a well-deserved lead (19th minute).
Celta Vigo concede little – and the 2:0
Barça had more of the game, but hardly any chances. In the first half, it was only Joao Felix who missed from 15 metres in a promising position (23rd). On the other hand, the second goal almost should have been scored. Ter Stegen saved a dangerous header by Strand Larsen at the feet of de la Torre, who, however, put the ball over from twelve metres (41st).
Xavi reacted at the break and changed from a four-man to a three-man defence. At first, however, the visitors remained the more dangerous team without having the big chance. It was not until the 57th minute that Vigo keeper Ivan Villar had to make the first effort when he saved a long-range shot from Araujo. After a mistake by Ristic, Ferran Torres had a great chance to equalise shortly afterwards, but failed to do so (64th) and hit the outside of the net a little later (67th).
Vigo’s counterattacks became a little rarer, but they kept coming. Bamba’s shot was saved by ter Stegen (71), but in the 76th minute, after a fine pass from Iago Aspas, it was the substitute Douvikas who made it 2-0 – also because the home side’s security was anything but good.
81st, 85th, 89th: Barça turn the game around
Barça were far from finished, though. In the closing stages, the Blaugrana put together an impressive comeback. First it was a quick double strike by Lewandowski, first with an acrobatic lob (81st), then from ten metres after a pass from Joao Cancelo (85th) that led to the equaliser. Then it was Joao Cancelo himself who crossed a Gavi cross from close range to make it 3:2 (89.).
The visitors had another good chance, in the person of Mingueza of all people. But the former Barcelona youth player just missed the equaliser from twelve metres (90.+3). In the end, the Blaugrana were able to celebrate, although for a long time it did not look like they would do so.
FC Barcelona’s next match is at RCD Mallorca on Tuesday (21.30). Celta Vigo will host Deportivo Alaves on Thursday (7pm).
