Barcelona Player Ratings vs Celta Vigo, Barcelona’s visit to Celta Vigo in La Liga turned into a dramatic encounter as the league leaders threw away a two-goal lead, eventually settling for a 2-2 draw. Despite Raphinha’s exceptional performance, which included a stunning goal and a brilliant assist, the match ended in disappointment after Marc Casado’s red card allowed Celta Vigo to stage a sensational comeback.
This result highlights Barcelona’s inconsistency and inability to hold onto a lead, leaving manager Hansi Flick with much to ponder as the team prepares for crucial fixtures ahead.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Celta Vigo: Dramatic Collapse After Red-Hot Raphinha Shines
Match Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
Barcelona started strong, with Raphinha spearheading the attack. The Brazilian winger latched onto Jules Koundé’s perfectly timed long ball in the 11th minute and delivered a sublime finish to give the visitors an early lead. Celta Vigo fought back, with Iago Aspas and Alfonso Gonzalez threatening, but Barca’s defense, led by Inaki Peña and Inigo Martinez, managed to hold firm through the first half.
The second half saw Robert Lewandowski double Barcelona’s advantage in the 68th minute, coolly finishing after a delightful assist from Raphinha. However, the turning point came when Marc Casado received his second yellow card in the 78th minute, reducing Barca to 10 men. Celta Vigo capitalized on the numerical advantage, with goals from Alfonso Gonzalez and Hugo Alvarez within a span of four minutes, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and leaving Barcelona shell-shocked.
🔄 Substitutions
→🟢 F. de Jong
←🔴 Pedri→🟢 Fermín
←🔴 Gavi#CeltaBarça pic.twitter.com/gk2HQ6ItF7— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 23, 2024
Key Player Performances
Goalkeeper & Defense
- Inaki Peña (6/10): Made several critical saves to keep Barcelona in the game, particularly in the first half. However, he was helpless during Celta’s late surge.
- Jules Koundé (4/10): Delivered a brilliant assist for Raphinha’s opener but committed a costly error that allowed Alfonso Gonzalez to score. His lapses in concentration proved detrimental.
- Inigo Martinez (6/10): A solid defensive presence for most of the match. He was composed under pressure but could not stem the tide in the closing stages.
- Gerard Martin (5/10): Lucky to avoid a red card in the first half. His defensive fragility saw him subbed off at halftime.
Midfield
- Marc Casado (6/10): His all-action display in midfield was vital until his dismissal. The red card was the catalyst for Barcelona’s collapse.
- Gavi (5/10): Struggled to impose himself on the game and was physically outmatched at times. Subbed off in the second half.
- Pedri (5/10): Not his usual self. While tidy in possession, he failed to influence the game in key moments.
Attack
- Raphinha (8/10): Barcelona’s standout performer. Scored the opener, provided an excellent assist for Lewandowski, and was unlucky to hit the post. His electric display was overshadowed by the team’s defensive frailties.
- Robert Lewandowski (6/10): Quiet for large parts of the game but showed his class with a clinical finish. His presence was missed in the final minutes after being subbed.
- Dani Olmo (5/10): Struggled to cope with Celta’s physicality and failed to make a significant impact.
Substitutes
- Hector Fort (5/10): Did well initially but was beaten easily during Celta’s equalizer.
- Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Brought on to stabilize the midfield but couldn’t influence the chaotic end to the game.
- Fermin Lopez (6/10): Tried to provide attacking impetus but lacked the time to make a decisive impact.
Tactical Missteps by Hansi Flick
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Celta Vigo, Hansi Flick’s decision-making came under scrutiny after the match. His failure to respond tactically to Marc Casado’s red card left Barcelona vulnerable, and his substitutions did little to shore up the defense. Flick’s inability to adapt to Celta’s late-game resurgence was a significant factor in the team’s collapse.
Conclusion: Lessons for Barcelona
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Celta Vigo, Barcelona’s draw against Celta Vigo serves as a cautionary tale. While their attacking prowess, led by Raphinha and Lewandowski, remains formidable, defensive lapses and poor in-game management continue to be Achilles’ heels. As they maintain their position at the top of La Liga, Hansi Flick must address these shortcomings to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
This result not only dents their momentum but also provides a wake-up call as they prepare for crucial fixtures, including a Champions League clash against Brest. For now, Barcelona must regroup, focus on maintaining composure under pressure, and ensure discipline in high-stakes matches.
Heads held high. On to the next game. pic.twitter.com/5MwRFKtLGs
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2024
FAQs
1. What was the final score between Barcelona and Celta Vigo?
The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Celta Vigo staging a late comeback after being 2-0 down.
2. Who were Barcelona’s standout players in the match?
Raphinha was the standout player, contributing a goal and an assist. Robert Lewandowski also scored, while Inaki Peña made some key saves.
3. Why was Marc Casado’s red card significant?
Marc Casado’s dismissal for a second yellow card in the 78th minute shifted the game’s momentum, allowing Celta Vigo to exploit the numerical advantage and score twice.
4. How did Hansi Flick’s tactics affect the result?
Hansi Flick’s failure to react effectively to Casado’s red card and Celta Vigo’s late resurgence contributed to Barcelona’s inability to secure the win.
5. What’s next for Barcelona after this draw?
Barcelona will face Brest in the Champions League and Espanyol in La Liga. The team needs to regroup and work on maintaining discipline and defensive stability.
Must Read: Inter Miami New Head coach
Inter Miami New manager: Great Javier Mascherano joins as Miami’s new manager 2025