Many expected last night’s game between Barcelona and Celta Vigo to be a high-scoring affair, especially given the history of recent meetings between the two teams.
However, the final result was that the team led by a slim margin of 1-0. Blaugrana Punished by Lamine Yamal. The score should have been doubled but VAR found a way to deny Ferran Torres a perfectly legal goal once again.
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A variety of factors on and off the field combined to affect the rhythm of the game that night, slowing down the pace of the game. Barcelona ultimately had to defend in depth to win and regain a 9-point lead.
FC Barcelona Globo brings you three highlights from Barcelona 1-0 Celta Vigo.
Two fatal blows
Barcelona’s first half against Celta Vigo last night was a difficult one for the team, but it was also strange in that sense.
Joao Cancelo was replaced. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
First, Joao Cancelo was forced off the field due to injury. He left the field before the 25th minute of the game, forcing Hansi Flick to make an early substitution.
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Less than 20 minutes later, Lamine Yamar collapsed immediately after taking the penalty and was unable to continue, forcing Flick to use up another substitution window before half-time.
By halftime, the Catalans were without their two biggest attacking players and two substitution windows.
Furthermore, they even lost momentum as a medical emergency in the stands stalled the game for nearly 15 minutes.
Losing Yamal and Cancelo at this critical stage of the season is a huge blow to the team, and the atmosphere after the game was indeed very tense.
While initial reports on Cancelo’s condition were optimistic and suggested it could just be a hit, Yamal’s story is concerning as he may have suffered a torn hamstring. Therefore, he will be out for at least a few weeks.
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Clean sheet under pressure
Barcelona kept a clean sheet. (Photo by Dennis Doyle/Getty Images)
Joan Garcia is currently the leader in the Zamora Cup standings and is just waiting for qualification, which he will ensure by playing a few more games for the team in La Liga.
His goal-conceding rate is significantly lower, ahead of the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Unai Simon.
The player added another clean sheet to his tally last night, the importance of which cannot be underestimated given the circumstances of the game.
Lamine Yamar left the field due to injury in the first half, and half of the team’s offensive channels and creativity disappeared.
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He was one of the biggest difference-makers in the first half and his departure put pressure on the Catalans.
Despite playing without their star player, Barcelona played a very mature game after the break and did not lose possession easily.
They maintained control, dominated the ball and saw the likes of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong take control of the game.
In addition, Gerald Martin’s defense is also very exciting, especially his defense.
In 90 minutes, the youngster completed 3 tackles, 3 interceptions, 7 clearances, 1 block, and 1 steal. He also won seven of the nine duels he attempted.
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Dominance in the midfield, coupled with a strong performance from the backline, helped Garcia make a number of saves to ensure Barcelona easily defended their one-goal lead.
This is the team’s first clean sheet since late March.
one step closer
La Liga is now in its final stages and every win brings Barcelona one step closer to the title as they hold a huge lead over Real Madrid.
Barcelona is getting closer to the La Liga title. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Going into matchday, the Catalans were nine points clear at the top of the table. However, Real Madrid put pressure on Barcelona by winning Tuesday’s game and reducing the deficit to six points.
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With last night’s win, Barcelona are nine points clear again with just six games remaining. So even in a mathematical sense the title is within reach.
Even though Real Madrid had won the next two games before El ClasicoBarcelona can play at home los blancos By winning the next two games El Clasico.
Needless to say, any missteps by Real Madrid before then will only make the Catalans’ path easier.
As things stand, Flick will be focused on ensuring his team maintains their momentum for longer to seal the title and end the season with more trophies. They are now one step closer.