FC Barcelona secured a flattering 2-1 away win in Vigo on Saturday evening. It came down to a dramatic final act at the Balaidos, with Lewandowski holding his nerve deep into stoppage time to save at least the second penalty
FC Barcelona returned to winning ways ahead of the club’s eagerly awaited Champions League round of 16 first leg at SSC Napoli on Wednesday, but needed a good dose of luck to do so at Balaidos.
Barcelona were clearly the better team in the first half, with the attacking trio of Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and starting debutant Vitor Roque harmonizing remarkably well. Lamine Yamal failed to beat keeper Guaita after ten minutes following a combination of the three attacking players. On the counter-attack, Strand Larsen came dangerously close for the first time (11′).
The Catalans were present and dominant, but hardly created any chances against a compact home side. So it took a solo effort to take the lead: Lamine Yamal found Lewandowski on the half-right of the penalty area, who shook off his opponent with a strong first touch and finished dryly into the bottom left corner (45′).
Ter Stegen beaten again – crazy final sequence
Vigo, who had been disappointing offensively before the changeover, had obviously made up their minds in the dressing room and coach Rafa Benitez found the right words. And Celta icon Iago Aspas also had the necessary luck – after Mingueza’s back-heel, the veteran shot and was lucky that Koundé deflected the ball over ter Stegen and into the goal (47′). It was the 36-year-old’s 200th competitive goal in “his” club’s shirt.
Xavi reacted before the final half-hour and brought on Gündogan for Christensen, who had surprisingly been brought on ahead of the DFB captain, with Raphinha replacing compatriot Vitor Roque (58′). There was no real improvement in Barcelona’s play, Vigo had the visual advantage and, in the person of Iago Aspas, repeatedly had good ideas.
Everything was heading towards a 1:1 – the next blow for Barcelona. However, in the third minute of stoppage time, Fran Beltran was unlucky to hit Lamine Yamal on the hip after a high ball into his path. A penalty was indeed awarded, but Lewandowski, who had delayed again, failed to beat keeper Guaita. However, the penalty was retaken because the Spanish goalkeeper had left the line too early. Lewandowski stepped up again, delayed again and again chose the right corner – with success (90.+7). Incidentally, Guaita had again left the line too early, this time without consequences
The flattering away win gave Barcelona some confidence for the Champions League game before they continue their La Liga campaign next Sunday at home to Getafe.
