Barcelona held to 2-2 draw by Celta de Vigo

FC Barcelona dropped points in dramatic fashion on Saturday, surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Celta de Vigo. A red card for Marc Casadó late in the second half proved pivotal, allowing the home side to stage a remarkable comeback in the final minutes.

Strong start for Barcelona

Barcelona seemed to be in control for much of the match. Despite facing a spirited and attacking Celta de Vigo side, Barça's defense held firm, largely thanks to an impressive performance by goalkeeper Iñaki Peña. The home team managed to find gaps in Barcelona’s backline but failed to convert their chances due to Peña’s excellent saves. The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute through Raphinha, whose well-placed shot gave Barcelona an early advantage. They doubled their lead in the 61st minute when Robert Lewandowski finished clinically to make it 2-0. At that point, the league leaders seemed on course for another three points.

Momentum shifts after red card

However, the game took a dramatic turn in the closing stages. In the 80th minute, midfielder Marc Casadó received a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Barcelona to play the final ten minutes with ten men. Celta de Vigo capitalized on their numerical advantage, launching wave after wave of attacks. In the 84th minute, Alfonso Gonzalez pulled one back for the home side, igniting hope among the fans at Balaídos. Just two minutes later, Hugo Alvarez completed the comeback with a powerful strike that left Peña with no chance, leveling the score at 2-2.

Implications for La Liga

Despite the disappointing result, Barcelona remains atop the La Liga standings, holding a seven-point lead over Real Madrid. However, Real Madrid has two games in hand and could reduce the gap significantly. Barcelona will need to regroup quickly as the title race heats up. Celta de Vigo, meanwhile, sits in 11th place, earning a valuable point against the league leaders. Their resilience in the final minutes showcased their determination and ability to challenge even the strongest teams in La Liga.

What’s next

Barcelona’s focus will now turn to their upcoming fixtures as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will visit Leganés on Sunday, with an opportunity to close the gap on their Catalan rivals. This draw serves as a reminder for Barcelona that maintaining focus and discipline, especially in the closing stages, is crucial in their quest for the La Liga title.