RC Celta de Vigo staged a dramatic comeback with two quick goals late in the game to earn a 2-2 draw against La Liga leaders Barcelona at the Estadio de Balaídos. This result marked the first draw of the season for the Catalan side.
After a controversial defeat to Real Sociedad before the international break, Barça were eager to recover but faced a tough challenge against Celta, a team where they had only won twice in their last 10 visits (D4, L4). The home side began the match strongly, creating two opportunities within the first five minutes. Iago Aspas was found unmarked in the box but missed the target, while Anastasios Douvikas also squandered a header from close range.
Celta’s early missed chances proved costly as Barcelona took the lead in the 15th minute. A long ball from Jules Koundé put Raphinha through on goal, and the Brazilian produced a perfect cutback before calmly finishing, securing his 13th goal of the season. Celta continued to press and came close to equalizing before halftime, with Robert Lewandowski having a goal ruled out for offside after chipping past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
The second half saw a drop in intensity, with neither side creating many chances early on. However, in the 61st minute, Lewandowski doubled Barcelona’s lead with a composed finish, after Raphinha won the ball and set him up. Celta had a chance to reduce the deficit shortly after, but Alfonso González’s shot was easily saved by Iñaki Peña. Raphinha nearly sealed the win for Barça in the 77th minute, but his shot hit the post.
In a dramatic turn of events, the game shifted in the final minutes. Marc Casadó was sent off for a second yellow card in the 82nd minute, leaving Barcelona with 10 men. Celta capitalized on the numerical advantage, with González dispossessing Koundé and scoring to reduce the deficit. Moments later, they leveled the score when Álvarez showed excellent composure to turn and slot the ball into the far corner.
With Barça visibly shaken, Celta continued to push for a winner, leaving Barcelona to hold on for a draw. Once again, the Blaugrana struggled in Vigo, offering Real Madrid a chance to close the gap when they face CD Leganés on Sunday. Celta, now unbeaten in four matches, will next face RCD Espanyol away.
