La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a shocking collapse in a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo on Saturday, with coach Hansi Flick describing the performance as “really bad.” Goals from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski seemed to have secured the win for the Catalans, but a late red card for Marc Casado in the 82nd minute shifted the momentum, allowing Celta to fight back and claim a point.
Alfonso Gonzalez exploited Jules Kounde’s error to score Celta’s first goal, and Hugo Alvarez equalized just two minutes later. Despite their dominance this season with 11 league wins, Barcelona have now dropped points in three games, all played without their teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Flick had challenged his squad to perform without the injured 17-year-old, and for much of the game, they appeared to be managing before their late collapse.
Barcelona remain five points ahead of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga. Champions Real Madrid, currently third, face Leganes on Sunday.
“It was a really bad performance, not at all the kind of football we want to play,” said Flick.
Midfielder Gavi, making his first start in over a year after recovering from a severe knee injury, reflected on the result: “We controlled the game, but the red card changed everything. They scored twice quickly, and we need to learn from that.”
Barcelona initially took the lead when Raphinha opened the scoring in the 15th minute, set up by a lofted pass from Kounde. Lewandowski extended the lead with his 15th league goal of the season, further solidifying his position as La Liga’s top scorer. The Polish striker also had an earlier goal disallowed.
Despite impressive saves by goalkeeper Inaki Pena, Barcelona faltered after Casado’s dismissal. Celta capitalized on the man advantage, with Gonzalez pouncing on Kounde’s hesitation to score and Alvarez cutting inside to net the equalizer shortly afterward.
Reflecting on the draw, Alvarez said, “The red card and first goal gave us hope, and we took full advantage. The second goal was just incredible.”
Simeone’s Milestone Victory
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone marked his 700th match in charge with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Alaves. After an early penalty from Jon Guridi put Alaves ahead, Atletico responded with goals from Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth to secure the win.
The victory moved Atletico to second place, two points ahead of Real Madrid. Simeone, who has managed the club since December 2011 and led them to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, expressed his satisfaction with his team’s effort.
“It’s a proud moment. The players are showing great responsibility and understanding of what we need,” said an emotional Simeone, who briefly broke off mid-sentence during his post-match interview.
His son Giuliano Simeone added, “700 games is a massive milestone. This win is for him, the team, and all the fans.”
Valencia’s Emotional Victory
Earlier in the day, Valencia earned an inspiring 4-2 win over Real Betis in their first game since devastating floods struck the region. The victory lifted Valencia to 18th place, after their previous two matches were postponed due to the natural disaster that claimed 227 lives.
Valencia coach Ruben Baraja dedicated the win to the victims. “The emotions, the respect, the atmosphere—it gave you goosebumps. This victory is for everyone affected by the tragedy.”
