FC Barcelona missed the chance to seven points clear of Real Madrid after throwing away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Celta Vigo on Saturday night.
LALIGA
Result: Celta Vigo 2-2 FC Barcelona
Date: 23 November 2024
Venue: Estadio Abanca-Balaídos
The visitors were still without Lamine Yamal through injury although Robert Lewandowski did start despite featuring for Poland during the international break.
Nevertheless, Hansi Flick's charges took the lead after 15 minutes as Raphinha continued his fine form for the season by grabbing his eighth goal with a lovely finish.
Celta went close to finding the equaliser after 20 minutes but Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena produced a fine save to tip Ilaix Moriba's volley over the crossbar.
While the home side struggled to get more chances, Barcelona had the ball in the back of the net five minutes before the halftime break but Lewandowski's goal was ruled out by the offside flag.
The hosts came out for the second period with a bit more attacking intent and nearly restored parity eight minutes as Iago Aspas tried to catch Pena off his line from 40 yards but his effort sailed just wide.
Barcelona went on to bag a second goal just after the hour mark as Lewandowski showed great perseverance to win possession high up before firing home his 15th league goal of the season.
There would be a sour moment for the visitors, who were reduced to ten men in the 82nd minute when Marc Casadó Torras was given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card.
Celta did pull a goal back in the 84th minute through Hugo Álvarez Antúnez, who dispossessed Jules Kounde in the box before firing past a helpless Pena for his second league goal of the league campaign.
The hosts completed the comeback two minutes later as Alfonso Gonzalez put the finishing touches of a well-worked move to earn his side a point.
