Barcelona 1-0 Celta Vigo: summary: score, goals, highlights, LaLiga 2022/23
Barcelona - Celta Vigo live online
Barcelona-Celta: match report
Pedri's first-half goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou on Sunday to move them back to the top of LaLiga but they had to battle for the victory against determined opponents.
The Catalan side are level on 22 points with Real Madrid after eight games but have a better goal difference before the pair face each other next Sunday in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. It was the seventh consecutive league win for Barcelona, who started well with Gavi and Raphinha running the channels and creating several scoring opportunities.
Celta's Argentine goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin made an incredible save in the 10th minute with the tip of his left hand to keep out a brilliant long-range shot from Raphinha. However, he was beaten seven minutes later by Pedri's close-range strike from a rebound after capitalising on an error by defender Unai Nunez who tried to clear Gavi's cross. Teenage sensation Pedri was again on hand to find the net, having scored eight goals from 16 shots on target in LaLiga, scoring with each of his last four. Celta looked much better after the break, taking control of the ball and creating several chances, but were denied by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
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FT at Camp Nou
Another sensational stop from Ter Stegen as he palms over an effort from Perez. Yet again the flag was up. That's surely the last chance saloon for the side from Galicia ?
Barcelona now sitting deep as Mallo is replaced by Mingueza. Nuñez heads but the ball is easy for Ter Stegen to gather.
Celta drive the ball off the post but the flag is up for offside. My word, Barcelona are really riding their luck at the end of the game but as things stand are set to record another win... Seven in a row and yet another clean sheet for Ter Stegen.
The ball bobbles around the Barcelona box and is eventually cleared with six minutes of time to be added.
Into the final minute we go. Barcelona are hanging on and are edging closer to the three points that would see the Catalan side recover their lead at the top of the table.
Dangerous free for Celta after a clumsy challenge from Alonso right by the corner flag.
Pique does well to head clear and Celta are forced to start again.
A certain sense of unease at Camp Nou given the slender margin of the scoreline.
Busquets carded for a tug on a Celta man as Jordi Alba is replaced by Garcia.
Dembele shoots but the ball is easy for Marcesin to gather. We've seen one of the quietest performances from Robert Lewandowski tonight since he made his move to Camp Nou last summer.
Aspas is through and Ter Stegen saves expertly with his legs. Best chance of the night for the visitors.
Fati crashes the ball off Hugo Mallo's arm and appeals for a spot kick. The ball did hit the Celta captain's arm but not a penalty according to the referee.
Sergi Roberto on for Balde (FC Barcelona change)
Clock ticking down at Camp Nou and Barcelona still hanging on to the lead that would see Xavi's team head back to the summit of the LaLiga table.
Barcelona free and the Catalan side opt to go short. The move breaks down and the side from Vigo are set to make a switch or two.
Larsen and Veiga are off with Perez and Solari on.
Both Jordi Alba and Oscar carded for an unpleasenat scene with both players squaring up to each other
The ball is in the Barcelona net but Galan is caught offside and this is a major warning for Barcelona. Celta are very much in this contest as Aidoo is carded.
Barcelona still very much in control in terms of possession and shots on goal ... the visitors have yet to manage a shot on goal.
We saw this last week when Barcelona faced Mallorca, with the score at just 1-0, the Barcelona players are ever so slightly on edge knowing that a slip up or a moment of brilliance from an opponent could change the dynamic of the match.
Three changes for Barcelona as Pedri, Raphina and Ferran make way for Fati, De Jong and Dembele
First card of the night is awarded to Celta's Cervi for a tug on Pedri.
Not for the first time tonight, Ter Stegen almost gifts Celta with a clear scoring chance as he miscues a pass. The German really does not look happy and may still be suffering with that back problem.
Barcelona's rear guard as Celta push again. The game is a far more open contest in this second half with the side from Vigo playing with additonal confidence.
Barcelona go close as Marchesin once again pulls off a series of fine saves. The Argentine keeper seems to have picked up a knock in his efforts and all is vain as the offside flag was up.
The game resumes and the German stays on the pitch but looks to be moving awkwardly. The last thing that Xavi wants ahead of a key UCL game and El Clasico next Sunday is to be without their No. 1 keeper.
Celta enjoying their best spell of the night and have come out after the interval with a different attitude.
Worry for Barcelona fans as Ter Stegen needs medical assistance as Iñak Peña starts to warm up as a precautionary measure. The German keeper seems to have taken a bang to the back.
Celta go close as the men from Vigo start the half of the front foot and have Barcelona pegged back deep inside their own half.
Couple of Barcelona players warming up on the sideline with Dembele, Fati and De Jong getting ready
Off we go... Barcelona start the action with no apparent changes for either team at the interval
The Barcelona players are the first to take to the pitch ahead of the second half.
The whistle sounds and it's FC Barcelona who head in with the lead thanks to Pedri's 17th minute tap in.
Celta on the ropes for the bulk of the game but did enjoy bright spells after the opening goal.
We'll have just one minute of added time.
It's been a quiet game from both teams star strikers: Lewandowski and Aspas. The Pole had a headed effort that was easily saved and the best we've seen from the Celta man was a threaded ball which was cut out by Ter Stegen.
Approaching the final minutes of the half and it's a game that has seen a shift in pattern following the 17th minute goal from
Pedri. Barcelona are still very much in control but Celta are no longer under siege as the way in the opening fifteen minutes.
Raphina looks for a penalty and as things stand the ref says no penalty. It did look like the Brazilian made the most of the tackle from Galan. Correct call from the officiating team.
Celta now well in the game. Barcelona seem to have taken their foot off the gas since the Pedri goal.
Great counter from Celta with the ball falling to Larsen and the Norwegian drills the ball wide.
Celta enjoying their best spell of the game as they start to move the ball around themselves with Aspas threading a ball through to Cervi which forces Ter Stegn to intervene.
Possession after 30 minutes: Barcelona 73-23 (%) Celta
Celta totally unable to get into the groove this evening with the midfield being outmuscled by the home side. Remember Coudet the Celta coach is not in the Catalan capital this evening as he had to return to his native Argentina for personal reasons.
Jordi Alba almost makes it 2-0 as he drills a left footed effort into the side netting.
Ter Stegen almost lets Aspas in with a misplaced pass but Celta are being denied any sustained time on the ball and the German stopper has been a virtual spectator for the bulk of the half.
Barcelona take the lead as Celta gift the Catalan side a goal as Pedri taps into an empty net after Unai tries to clear for the visitors
Marchesin to the rescue once again as the ref has to have a word with the keeper as the Argentine is in no hurry to take the goal kicks.
Fine header from Lewandowski, first time we've seen the Polish striker in action but once again Celta's Argentine stopper was level to the challenge and saves well.
A start at Camp Nou very much in keeping with the script... Barcelona moving the ball around from side to side, dominating possession as they look to open the side from Galicia.
Raphina shoots and forces an excellent stop from Marchesin.
Excellent ball from Jordi Alba as he drills the ball in from the Barcelona left, Ferran Torres was just inches away from getting a touch on the ball.
All the domination is from the home side with Celta yet to make any inroad into the Barcelona half. Still nothing to trouble Marchesin in the Celta goal however.
All eyes are on Gabri Veiga with the 20-year-old Vigo native meant to be one of the hottest young talents in the Spanish league !
Early pressure from the home side as they peg the men in sky blue deep inside their own half.
We're all set but there seems to be an issue with VAR before we start.
The ref gives the all clear and Celta start the game.
All set at Camp Nou. An intriguing contest at the iconic stadium awaits.
A minutes silence in memory of Joan Moral with the former Camp Nou hero passing away earlier this week at the age of 101.
The sides emerge from the tunnel at the Spotify Camp Nou with the usual shouts of 'Vamos, vamos' (let's go).... Barcelona in their traditional azul-grana home kit (which is actually navy, red and royal blue this season) navy shorts and socks. Celta too in their traditional sky blue shirt, white shorts and socks.
We're five minutes away from kickoff at Camp Nou in a mild October evening in the Catalan capital and 0% of rain during the contest. A pleasant 68F/20C temperature at kick-off, ideal conditions for players and fans alike.
Rayo only side to take points from FCB in LaLiga
Barcelona have been on a tremendous run since the 2022-23 LaLiga campaign got underway in August and are currently on a six game winning run. The only blot on their copybook was on the opening night when the Catalan side were frustrated by Andoni Iraola's Rayo Vallecano side who delivered a fine masterclass in the art of defending as part of a 0-0 draw
Is Laporta distancing himself from the Super League?
Barcelona were one of three clubs – along with Real Madrid and Juventus – who were keen to push ahead with creating a European Super League even after the withdrawal of English Premier League clubs, the Milan clubs and Atlético Madrid. However, the Catalans’ stance towards the competition now appears to have changed after Joan Laporta’s return to the club as president.“
If the big teams were to play each other all the time, we’d all get tired of it. It’s special and healthy for the game when a smaller club beats a big one. And it’s fun to get behind an underdog. It was great when Greece won the Euros and it was really special when Leicester won the league in England. That’s what football is all about.”
Ter Stegen warms up at Camp Nou
Barcelona's German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen warms up at Camp Nou as the clock ticks down to kick-off between Xavi's side and Celta Vigo.
Barcelona vs Celta Vigo: past five meetings
May 2022: Barcelona 3-1 Celta Vigo
May 2021: Barcelona 1-2 Celta Vigo
October 2020: Celta Vigo 0-3 Barcelona
June 2020: Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona
November 2019: Barcelona 4-1 Celta Vigo
Barcelona-Celta-referee
José Luis Munuera Montero is tonight's match official. The 39-year-old Jaen native will be supported in the VAR booth by Gonzalez-Gonzlez.
Celta XI confirmed
Top striker Iago Aspas leads the line for the men from Vigo as they look to repeat the heroics of two seasons ago when the Galician side recorded a 1-2 away win at Camp Nou.
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Barça's defensive woes as 'El Clasico' looms
Barcelona again have been hot with selection issues to contend with in defence, as Ronald Araújo, Hector Bellerín and Jules Koundé remain absent and have now been joined on the sidelines by Andreas Christensen.
Only Koundé is likely to be back in time for El Clásico. Midfielder Franck Kessié and attacker Memphis Depay are also unavailable but Frenkie De Jong is fit to return after recent fitness issues.
There is no let-up in the relentless fixture list for the Catalan side with a home fixture midweek against Inter followed by El Clasico next weekend in Madrid.
Celta's erratic start
Celta Vigo, meanwhile, have had an up-and-down start to the campaign. After drawing against Espanyol on the opening weekend, they have recorded three victories and three defeats.
Their last two losses were by three-goal margins away from home, which doesn’t bode well for the trip to Camp Nou, but they did pick up an impressive home win against an in-form Real Betis in their last LaLiga game.
As ever, Eduardo Coudet’s men will look to skipper Iago Aspas for inspiration; the club’s all-time top scorer has netted five goals in seven matches already this term.
FCB XI confirmed
Raphina, Ferran Torres and Lewandowski lead the line for Xavi's side tonight as Pique regains his position back in the heart of the FCB rear guard.
De Jong starts on the bench.
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Camp Nou dressing room is ready
As we await the official Barcelona team news, we do know that Busquets will be captain and maybe a start for De Jong from what we can take from the tweet ?
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Celta have won three from their last five in LaLiga
Barcelona come into tonight's game on the back of a solid run in LaLiga with a run of six wins in a row. The Catalan's form in Europe is a different story where they are in a tight spot in a tough group after back-to-back defeats to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Barcelona-Celta Vigo: headlines
- Pedri taps Barcelona into a 17th minute lead
- A Barcelona win would see the Catalan side recover top spot in LaLiga
- Ariel Broggi, replaces regular manager Eduardo Coudet on the bench with Coudet in Argentina for personal matters
- Frenkie de Jong returns to the Barça squad after recovering from injury
- Lewandowski looking to add to his LaLiga tally of 8 goals for the season so far
- Celta won the corresponding fixture two seasons ago with a 1-2 Camp Nou win in May
LaLiga table
Barcelona currently lie in second place in the ranking with tonight's rival Celta Vigo in 11th place in LaLiga.
A win for Xavi Hernandez's men would see Barcelona once again, leapfrog Real Madrid at the LaLiga summit after 'Los Blancos' won by an early Militao header away at Getafe.
The action in Barcelona gets underway at 2100 (local time/CEST) or 3:00 pm (ET) / 12:00 pm (PT)
Hello and welcome to our live LaLiga coverage from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo to the Catalan capital.