For the third consecutive game, Barcelona put in a poor performance, this time against Celta Vigo at home. The lone goal of the game was scored by Pedri in Barcelona’s only good moments of the game. The goal from Pedri was gifted by Celta as the center-back tried to clear a ball but didn’t put enough strength on his attempt. It was left dangerously in the area as Pedri raced for a tap-in.
The final 10 minutes or so of the first half and the majority of the second half, Barcelona were constantly second best as Celta vied for an equalizer. Ter Stegen came up huge time and time again, including late in the game when it seemed Iago Aspas was going to make the game level. Xavi tried changing things up by bringing on Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele. But the trio never got into the game and were all ineffective.
In the end, Barcelona were praying for the final whistle and got it after 6 minutes of stoppage time. With the win, Barcelona jumped ahead of Real Madrid and go into El Clasico as LaLiga leaders. But the display is certainly going to be a point of concern for both Xavi and the players. The international break has seemingly thrown the team out of whack.
