Barcelona vs. Celta Vigo 3-2

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said his side's incredible comeback against Celta Vigo on Saturday was a reflection of the generational change in society.

Robert Lewandowski scored twice in the last 10 minutes before João Cancelo struck in the 89th minute as Barça came from two goals down at the Olympic Stadium to beat Celta 3-2.

They were unable to replicate the "highest level" he had seen since taking over in November 2021, displayed during back-to-back 5-0 wins over Real Betis and Royal Antwerp.

By the time Anastasios Douvikas' 76th minute strike doubled the visitors' lead, the Blaugrana appeared dead and buried.

Joao Cancelo netting in the 89th to complete the comeback and send the Montjuic Stadium wild.

Buoyed up by the goal, Celta settled into a comfortable pattern as they sat back and allowed Barcelona to keep possession, while intermittently launching swift counter-attacks that carved through the hosts' shaky defence with ease.

Strand Larsen nearly doubled his tally just before half-time but the Norwegian's bullet header was thwarted by Ter Stegen.

Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo at the break, with Barcelona's formation switching from two central defenders to three at the back, but while the change brought cohesion in attack, their defence was once again found lacking.

Celta had a fine chance to score the second but Ter Stegen palmed away Strand Larsen's header and Lucas de la Torre slashed the rebound over with the goal gaping.

Xavi shuffled his pack at half-time, bringing on Ronald Araujo for his first appearance after a hamstring injury, as well as 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.

Araujo stung the palms of Ivan Villar with a powerful drive from distance and Ferran Torres wasted a fine chance, firing wide as he ran through on goal.

Ter Stegen made another fine save to thwart Jonathan Bamba as Celta sought a second.

Eventually it came through new signing Douvikas, who swept home after running on to Iago Aspas's perfectly weighted ball.

Celta seemed to have won it midway through the second half, with club veteran Iago Aspas feeding Tasos Douvikas, who added the finishing touch to a clinical counter.

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 Sarah H

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