In a pulsating La Liga clash on April 19, 2025, Barcelona were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Celta Vigo at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Despite dominating most of the match and taking a comfortable two-goal lead, the Catalans were stunned by a late Celta Vigo comeback, leaving fans and pundits in disbelief.
⚽ First Half: Raphinha Lights Up the Pitch
Barcelona kicked off with high energy and took control early. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute, when Raphinha curled a beautiful shot past the goalkeeper after cutting in from the right. The Brazilian winger looked sharp throughout, marking his 8th league goal of the season—his best tally so far in a Barcelona shirt.
⚡ Second Half: Lewandowski Doubles the Lead
After halftime, Barcelona continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 61st minute. Robert Lewandowski, showing his usual poise, slotted home his 15th league goal of the campaign, seemingly putting the game beyond doubt for the Blaugrana.
🟥 Turning Point: Casado Sees Red
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 82nd minute when young midfielder Marc Casado received a second yellow card, reducing Barcelona to ten men. That moment shifted the momentum entirely.
⚔️ Late Drama: Celta Vigo Strike Back
Celta Vigo pounced on the opportunity and began to mount pressure. Substitute Alfonso Gonzalez pulled one back in the 84th minute, and just two minutes later, Hugo Alvarez leveled the score with a cool finish, completing a stunning turnaround in the span of four chaotic minutes.
📊 Match Stats at a Glance
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Possession: Barcelona 59% – Celta Vigo 41%
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Shots: Celta Vigo 15 – 9 Barcelona
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Shots on Target: Celta Vigo 8 – 4 Barcelona
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Corners: Celta Vigo 5 – 1 Barcelona
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Fouls: Celta Vigo 13 – 9 Barcelona
🌟 Player Highlights
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Raphinha was a standout performer for Barcelona, not only for his goal but also for his work rate and creativity.
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Lewandowski continued his excellent form, reaching 15 goals in La Liga this season.
🔮 What’s Next for Both Teams?
Barcelona still sit at the top of the La Liga table with 34 points, five ahead of Atletico Madrid and seven clear of Real Madrid, who have two games in hand. Up next for the Blaugrana is a crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Brest.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo will be encouraged by this comeback performance and look to carry the momentum into their next game against Espanyol.
This draw may feel like a loss for Barcelona, but it was a reminder of just how quickly things can change in football—especially when you're down to ten men.
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