Late sending off sees La Liga leaders surrender lead to draw despite superb performance from creator-in-chief Raphinha
Barcelona were dealt a bitter blow in La Liga by Celta Vigo's spirited fightback on Saturday night. The Liga leaders were 2-0 up and seemingly out of side but Marc Casado's sending off for two yellow cards stunned the Catalans, and they conceded twice in four minutes to throw three points away.
Celta opened Barcelona up in the first four minutes, but Iago Aspas could not convert from seven yards out after a superb delivery.
They were made to pay shortly after, as Raphinha sprinted onto Jules Kounde's speculative long ball and finished brilliantly.
Just before the half-hour mark, Aspas burst through on goal, but went down under the challenge of Gerard Martin but no penalty was awarded; Celta had a degree of success when they were direct, and merely aimed long balls over the Barcelona defence, with Inaki Pena in goal having to be at his very best.
On the stroke of half-time, Gerard Martin should have been sent off; already on a yellow, the full-back fouled Iago Aspas with a bad slide tackle, but the referee opted against showing a second card. Unsurprisingly, he was substituted at the interval.
In the second half, the game descended into a scrappy midfield battle, until Robert Lewandowski doubled the visitors' lead with a smart finish after being sent through by a fine Raphinha ball.
Raphinha could have had his second in the 77th minute as he again galloped away from Celta's defence, but his shot hit the post.
Shortly after, Marc Casado was sent off for a second yellow card, and Celta pulled a goal back through Alfonso Gonzalez. He robbed Kounde in Barca's area and finished coolly.
And with the Balaidos rocking, Celta equalised with a brilliant finish from Hugo Alvarez, earning a well-deserved point, and embarrassing their visitors.
GOAL rates Barca's players from Balaídos…
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Inaki Pena (6/10):
Fantastic save to deny Moriba from range at 1-0 and was in superb form in goal, making a number of saves. Let down by Kounde and the rest of his defence as Barcelona's lead disappeared.
Jules Kounde (4/10):
Great pass to Raphinha ahead of their first goal. Consistently chasing back when the ball went over his head and a dreadful error allowed Celta back into the game. You simply cannot lose the ball in your own box.
Pau Cubarsi (5/10):
Ill-at-ease when it came to chasing back and got nowhere near Celta as they equalised. Fine on the ball, but he still has a way to go when it comes to becoming the finished article in defence.
Inigo Martinez (6/10):
Always willing to put his body on the line. Not at fault for Celta's fightback.
Gerard Martin (5/10):
Booked within three minutes for a terrible slide challenge. Had to battle with Aspas throughout the first half and was incredibly lucky to avoid a red card for a foul on the ex-Liverpool striker. Unsurprisingly subbed at half-time.
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Marc Casado (6/10):
Got just about everywhere, passing the ball and winning it back, consistently keeping Barcelona ticking. A superb midfield display until he was sent off for a second yellow card. His absence will be keenly felt.
Gavi (5/10):
So smooth on the ball, if a little lightweight at times. Regularly knocked off the ball but he kept trying to make things happen. Subbed.
Pedri (5/10):
Not as effective as usual. Passed the ball well enough but Celta's long ball tactics left him chasing shadows defensively. Subbed in the second half.
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Raphinha (8/10):
Superb finish to give Barcelona the lead. Fine assist for Lewandowski too and hit the post. Comfortably Barca's best player.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10):
Peripheral until he was sent through by Raphinha and did what he does best to double Barca's lead. As a striker, sometimes you only need one chance. Subbed for Pau Victor late.
Dani Olmo (5/10):
On the receiving end of a few agricultural challenges. Some smart touches but Celta's rough approach unsettled him. Subbed for Pablo Torre late on.
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Hector Fort (5/10):
On for Martin at half-time. Played well until he was completely beaten in the build-up to Celta's remarkable equaliser.
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
On for Gavi. Barely had time to impact the game.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
On for Pedri just as the tide turned.
Pablo Torre (N/A):
On late.
Pau Victor (N/A):
A late sub.
Hansi Flick (4/10):
Not reacting to Casado's sending off cost Barcelona here. One decision does not usually cost a side this dearly but his failure to do literally anything as the midfielder trudged down the tunnel was the precursor to a monumental collapse. He can have no hiding place; Barca didn't play well, and didn't deserve to win.
