The Blaugrana are still in danger of returning to the Europa League if they don’t get a result this week.
Xavi fielded a less strong team than usual, with the Spanish coach starting with his three left-backs and a centre-back against Celta, having seen injuries plague his team in defense with the likes of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. , all discarded
Barça started the game well, creating better chances and dominating possession.
The hosts’ dominance would eventually help them find the opening goal in the 17th minute after midfielder Pedri slammed a poor clearance into the box from a Celta defender to give Barcelona a deserved 1-0 lead.
Pedri’s goal finally sparked some real action from the visitors looking for an answer before halftime.
The hosts thought they should have been awarded a penalty later in the first half after Raphinha fell in the box, but referee José Luis Munuera Montero had none of it and warned Raphinha not to protest further.
Pedri’s goal would mark the difference between both teams, since Barça went into the break with a goal advantage.
The second half picked up with Celta growing up in the game and creating some decent chances for themselves.
The visitors thought they had leveled things in the 69th minute when Strand Larsen headed the ball into the net, but his attempt was disallowed for offside.
Celta also came close once more in the 83rd minute after Ter Stegen saved an 83rd-minute attempt by Iago Aspas from close range.
It was a nervous ending to the match as Barcelona fought hard to hold off Celta Vigo’s attack by making a couple of clearances in a row.
The visitors could have come from behind late in the second half had it not been for the offside and brilliant saves from Ter Stegen.
In the end, Xavi’s men cruised to a narrow 1-0 victory against Celta with everything on the line in the midweek second leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Reactions on social networks
Following the hard-fought victory over Celta de Vigo, Barça fans have once again expressed their frustration with Ferran Torres, who had another disappointing turn on the night.
Here’s how fans have reacted below:
