Barcelona FC beat Celta Viga 1-0 on Sunday for their seventh straight win in the competition, taking first place and restoring some confidence going into a decisive Champions League game against Inter Milan.
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Barcelona have not been able to repeat their league success in the European competition’s group stage, and nothing but a home win against Inter on Wednesday will leave the club on the verge of being eliminated for the second consecutive season after Lionel Messi’s departure.
Barcelona lost to Inter in Italy for their second consecutive loss in the Champions League last week.
In the Spanish league, however, Barcelona have been perfect since a scoreless opening draw against Rio Vallecano at home.
Pedri González scored the winner with an easy shot into the open net in the 17th minute on Sunday when Celta defender Unai Nez could not completely clear a low cross by Gavi Paez.
Celta, who had won three of their last five league matches, did well in the second half but failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities at the Camp Nou.
“The way we played, even a draw would not have happened,” said Celta striker Iago Aspas. We created five or six chances in the second half.
The visitors were not allowed to score a goal for offside in the 70th and Barcelona needed a good performance from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
“We did a little more damage than we should have,” said Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso. “But what is important is that in the end we got three points.”
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said the team should have called off the match before halftime.
Xavi said, ‘We fought a lot in the second half. “He had some clear chances to score in the end. It was an important victory, but there is still a lot to improve.”
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, the league’s leading scorer with nine goals, ended his streak of scoring in the last six rounds.
The result sets up a showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season next Sunday.
The rivals have the same 22 points after eight matches, but Barcelona are ahead on goal difference.
Hernández was without many defenders due to injuries and had to improve his defensive lineup, starting with three left backs – Alejandro Balde played as right back and Marcos Alonso played as centre, with Jordi Alba playing as his own. was in normal condition.
Ousmane Dembele and Anu Fati opened the match on the bench, with Rafinha and Ferran Torres earning their chances from the start.
Barcelona, who have not lost their last six league games, scored a second straight win against Celta. It was coming from another 1–0 win – in Mallorca.
Vigo club are at 11th position with 10 points from eight matches.
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