Barcelona's hopes of retaining their La Liga title are still alive as they took a narrow 2-1 win over Celta Vigo at Balaidos.
The opening 45 minutes in Vigo were evenly contested, with neither side able to fashion many chances. It's Barcelona that created the best, and they took it right at half time, like Robert Lewandowski brilliantly powered home a shot from the edge of the box after being set up by Lamine Yamal.
However, their advantage lasted only 81 seconds into the second period, as Celta found an equaliser. Ronald Araujo was withdrawn at halftime as a precautionand its absence as significantly felt as Iago Aspas continued his excellent form against Barcelona with a point which was his 200th goal for the Galicians.
Barcelona's second-half performance was appalling, but they were able to find a late, late winner. Lamine Yamal was fouled by Fran Beltran. Lewandowski stepped up, and had his first effort saved, although Vicente Guaita was off his line, so a replay was ordered. He didn't make a mistake the second time he asked.
🚨🚨| GOAL: THE PENALTY WAS REMOVED AND LEWANDOWSKI SCORE!!!
– Center objectives. (@centregoals) February 17, 2024
Barcelona remain third with that result, but are now only two points behind Girona in second, and seven behind Real Madrid. Celtic Vigo remains 17th, three points ahead of the relegation zone of the League.
