After two consecutive ‘Manitas’, Montjuïc witnessed a stunning display of resilience and a historic comeback as Barcelona faced off against a well-organized Celta Vigo side. In a nail-biting encounter, a goal by Strand Larsen in the first half put Xavi’s team on edge, and trailing 0-2, it seemed like an insurmountable task. However, a brilliant assist by Joao Félix to Lewandowski breathed life back into Montjuïc, setting the stage for an epic Barcelona comeback. Lewandowski secured a brace with assists from both Joaos, and Cancelo, assisted by Gavi, sealed the remarkable comeback. The Camp Nou faithful had their first magical night at Montjuïc, and Barcelona reclaimed its position at the top of the table.
Celta’s plan worked
Xavi’s squad faced a gritty, determined Celta Vigo side, confirming Xavi’s earlier claim that they deserved more points than they had accumulated. Barcelona struggled to create scoring opportunities in the first half, and surprisingly, it was Celta Vigo who appeared more dangerous, despite deploying five defenders.
Breaking down Celta Vigo’s solid defensive structure proved challenging for Barcelona. However, the game-changer arrived when Joao Félix orchestrated a play, delivering a sublime assist to Lewandowski, reigniting Montjuïc’s passion and pushing Barcelona towards an epic comeback. While the Catalans faced adversity throughout the match, they demonstrated their ability to adapt and succeed in different game scenarios.
Imprecisions plagued Barcelona for most of the game, with dangerous turnovers, including a near-disastrous mistake by Cancelo in their own box. These errors, combined with difficulties in finding passing lanes in the final third, hindered Barcelona’s performance.
Celta Vigo, on the other hand, exhibited resilience and precision, with Fran Beltran, Bamba, and De la Torre orchestrating their midfield effectively. Iago Aspas played as a second forward, dropping deep to disrupt Barcelona’s defense, while Strand Larsen posed a constant threat upfront. Mingueza, operating as an attacking full-back on the right, created significant danger.
Xavi’s reaction
Barcelona needed to stretch the field to exploit spaces against Celta’s compact 5-3-2 formation. However, neither Ferran on the right nor Joao Félix on the left effectively used the flanks to break through.
Celta Vigo remained untroubled as Barcelona struggled to find solutions, and they even had an opportunity to extend their lead before halftime. Ter Stegen made a crucial save against Iago Aspas, who was left unmarked in the box.
The second half saw tactical adjustments from Xavi. Lamine Yamal and Araujo entered the field, replacing Oriol Romeu and Marcos Alonso. Koundé shifted to left-back, Gündogan and Gavi anchored the midfield, and Cancelo joined the attack. This formation transitioned into a 3-4-3 in attack and a 4-2-3-1 in defense.
Barcelona launched a relentless offensive in the second half, while Celta Vigo looked to capitalize on spaces. Araujo emerged as a defensive stalwart for Barcelona, thwarting Celta’s attempts. Ferran was the first to seek the equalizer, narrowly missing the target after a brilliant setup by Gündogan.
Ter Stegen came to Barcelona’s rescue once again, denying Bamba’s close-range shot, maintaining Barcelona’s hopes of a comeback. Douvikas, who replaced Larsen, then capitalized on a counter-attack, netting Celta Vigo’s second goal. However, Lewandowski’s brace, Cancelo’s strike, and a spirited comeback sealed the victory for Barcelona, much to the delight of Montjuïc.
Bottom line
In conclusion, Barcelona’s historic comeback at Montjuïc showcased their resilience and adaptability under Xavi’s guidance. Despite a challenging first half, they overcame adversity and secured an epic victory, further solidifying their position as a formidable force in La Liga.
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