Barcelona won three crucial points against Celta de Vigo today, a scintillating 4-3 victory. What a rollercoaster of emotions it was, as Barca’s recklessness and resilience kept title hopes up and running. The performance once again exposed huge flaws, but the ending madness snatched all the headlines. Let’s dissect the madness.
Barca’s Big Game Player- Raphinha Belloli
Raphinha’s brilliant brace stole headlines today as the Brazilian once again delivered when it mattered. His brilliant header to equalize the score 3-3 and the 96th-minute ice-cool penalty to win the game once again defined his Balon d’Or-worthy season.
At the final whistle, Hansi Flick burst onto the pitch and hugged Raphinha. The German coach called him a ‘leader,’ and the Brazilian’s relentless pressing and fearless mentality definitely sparked today’s comeback. Raphinha’s never-give-up attitude has really been a difference between Barca and other sides this season.
Hansi Flick’s High Stakes Gambles
Flick’s tactics were a bit questionable today when he brought in Pau Victor as a sub, ditched two defenders, and morphed into a 3-3-4 formation in the 85th minute. It nearly backfired because it was a big gamble. However, it worked, but just barely. Barca was very lucky, too, since Celta’s Oscar Mingueza missed an open header in the end before Raphinha’s penalty.
However, one thing must be clear. This win, although brilliant at the end, was not calculated at all. It was more of a desperation. The Catalan defense has been becoming more of a liability lately, and if Celta had capitalized on Mingueza’s free chance, things would have been different. Flick’s brave tactics deserve applause, but his refusal to address defensive issues could cost Barca everything.
Barcelona Defense Could be a Ticking Time Bomb
Szczesny’s many things but a sweeper keeper. The Pole’s early first half blunder gifted Celta their opener. The second Celta goal was another gift, as Frenkie de Jong’s lazy touch handed them the second. And for the third, three Catalan defenders stood like a statue, as Iglesias completed his hattrick. Is it faitgue getting the best of Barca players?
Whatever the reason is, the defense is in shambles right now. The backline has conceded 12 goals in their last five games and the high line is becoming more and more suicidal. Without any urgent fixes, this team will crumble against Inter or Madrid in coming games.
The Impact of Lamine Yamal’s 45 Minutes Today
Yamal was rested by Flick today, and Barca’s poor attacking display in the first half was missing the 17-year old. However, the moment the teenage entered, Barca quickly gained their attacking teeth. Yamal attracted multiple defenders towards him on the right flank with his fantastic skills. This made spaces for men in the center. Lamine Yamal’s cross for Raphinha was perfection and that was the moment, when the game was turned on its head.
This win was iconic, but it was not sustainable. Also, Lewandowski received a hamstring injury in the second half and it is worrying. Some big games are on the horizon. Therefore, serious changes have to be made, and heart alone will not fix these flaws. Let’s give it our all!