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Barca still can’t win without Yamal Barcelona were without Lamine Yamal again at Balaidos and once again failed to take the three points without the 17-year-old in the side. Yet Hansi Flick’s side really should have emerged victorious. Goals from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski had put the team in control until individual mistakes proved costly.
Marc Casado’s red card proved pivotal, with the youngster picking up a second yellow card on 82 minutes. Two minutes later, Celta had one back after Jules Kounde lost the plot and allowed Alfonso Gonzalez to halve the deficit and give the hosts hope. It got even worse for Barca after another two minutes when Hugo Alvarez evaded Hector Fort and fired a shot across goal and into the back of the net.
It’s the type of result that will almost feel like a defeat for Barca. The visitors weren’t at their best but had the three points in their hands before self-destructing and throwing away the win. Welcome back, Gavi Hansi Flick said Gavi was ready to start against Celta and so it proved as Barca’s heart and soul was named in the XI for the first time in a year.
It’s been a long road back to the first team for Gavi but he looked really sharp at Balaidos and even thrilled the crowd with a gorgeous turn and pass in the first half. So great to see Gavi back for @FCBarcelona ..
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com/h08are0XHC — LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) November 23, 2024 His passionate celebrations when Raphinha bagged the opener also brought a smile. How he’s been missed. Flick ended up keeping Gavi on for 75 minutes at Balaidos which suggests he’s in pretty good shape despite his lengthy lay-off, and there’s no doubt this game will have done him the world of good.
The warm embrace he received from Flick as he came off also spoke volumes for his importance to the team, and the fact he’s come through a first start unscathed is yet another milestone checked off in his recovery. Barca will still have to wait a little while to see Gavi back to his very best on a regular basis but it’s certainly getting closer every day. Problems at the back Hansi Flick wasn’t happy with his team’s performance against Celta after seeing the visitors grab two late goals and enjoy a host of chances.
Indeed credit must go to Inaki Pena for a fine performance at Balaidos. Barca’s offside trap has been rightly hailed this season but there’s a sense opponents are getting wise to the system. Certainly Barca allowed far more shots on target than Flick would like.
7 - Barcelona conceded seven shots on target in the second half against Celta de Vigo. They hadn't conceded 7+ shots on target in the second half in a single LaLiga game since April 2017 against Real Madrid (8). Attack.
pic.twitter.com/HD0kbVmmsD — OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 23, 2024 Barca also have issues at full-back.
Kounde has been superb this season but seems to be playing every single minute available for club and country. Mistakes then are perhaps inevitable given the workload. Over on the other side Gerard Martin had a tough game at left-back and was hooked at half-time for his own safety.
Flick’s fondess for the 22-year-old continues to baffle, but he was fortunate to escape giving away a penalty and getting sent off. Hector Fort, who has been curiously underused this season by Flick, came on in the second half and took over on the left but you get the feeling he’s still yet to earn the trust of his manager..
