FC Barcelona registered a seventh successive victory in LaLiga with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo and reclaimed top spot on Sunday night.
LaLiga
Result: FC Barcelona 1-0 Celta Vigo
Date: 09 October 2022
Venue: Camp Nou
Barca made four changes from their narrow loss against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League, as Alejandro Balde, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and Ferran Torres were all recalled.
The hosts had a bright start as Raphinha came close to giving them the lead on ten minutes after he was setup by Alba from a set-piece but his cracking shot forced an out-stretched save from goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.
As Blaugrana continued to ask questions in attack, Pedri eventually gave them the lead ten minutes later with a close-range finish at the back post after a rebound from Gavi's cross fell on his path.
Xavi's charges pinned Celta back in their own half but struggled to get openings, Robert Lewandowski and Torres kept in check.
The visitors had a rare chance on a counter-attack shortly after the half-hour mark after Jorgen Larsen raced through on goal but he dragged his shot wide.
Barcelona continued to dictate terms going forward and had a penalty appeal just before the half-time break after Raphinha went down in the box from a challenge by Javi Galan but the referee was not persuaded.
Celta had a forceful start in the second stanza as they unsettled the Catalan giants with a high press and as Barca struggled to find their rhythm, Xavi reacted with a triple change around the hour-mark, as Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong and Anssumane Fati were introduced.
However, the visitors caught Barca napping moments later after Galan headed home a free header at the back post from a ricochet but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Celta remained in the game as Blaugrana could not carve out chances in the last third an Iago Aspas should have levelled matters for the Sky Blues six minutes before time after he went through on goal in the box but his low shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with an out-stretched leg.
The Sky Blues had the momentum, as Goncalo Paciencia was denied the equaliser by the post in stoppage time before Ter Stegen pulled off another fine save as Barca survived to clinch their seven consecutive win in the league.
Blaugrana retained top spot with a superior goal difference over rivals Real Madrid ahead of the El Clasico next Sunday.
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