In a high-stakes clash at the Estadio ABANCA Balaídos, Celta Vigo hosted FC Barcelona in a La Liga 2024-2025 encounter that lived up to its billing. The 24,573 spectators in attendance witnessed a pulsating game that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Goals from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski put the visitors in control, but late strikes by Alfon González and Hugo Álvarez ensured a share of the spoils for the hosts.
The La Liga 2024-2025 season has been a roller-coaster ride, and the Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona encounter was no exception. With Barcelona topping the league table and Celta Vigo fighting to climb the standings, this match was crucial for both teams. Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, sought to extend their lead, while Claudio Giráldez’s side aimed to make a statement against the Catalan giants.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Head-to-Head: Tactical Approaches
Celta Vigo (4-4-2):
Claudio Giráldez opted for a compact 4-4-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks. With experienced players like Iago Aspas and emerging talents such as Hugo Álvarez, Celta sought to exploit Barcelona’s high line with long balls and incisive runs.
FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Hansi Flick deployed a 4-2-3-1 setup, emphasizing possession and fluid transitions. The attacking trio of Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Raphinha supported talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski, while Gavi and Marc Casadó anchored the midfield.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Lineups with Substitutes
Celta Vigo
- Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
- Defenders: Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso, Óscar Mingueza, Javi Rodríguez
- Midfielders: Jonathan Bamba, Hugo Álvarez, Ilaix Moriba, Fran Beltrán
- Forwards: Iago Aspas, Tasos Douvikas
Substitutes:
Franco Cervi, Borja Iglesias, Hugo Sotelo, Pablo Durán, Alfon González, and others.
FC Barcelona
- Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Gerard Martín
- Midfielders: Gavi, Marc Casadó, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Raphinha
- Forward: Robert Lewandowski
Substitutes:
Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López, Héctor Fort, Pablo Torre, Pau Víctor, and others.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona First Half
Barcelona started strong, controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. In the 15th minute, Raphinha opened the scoring with a clinical left-footed strike assisted by Jules Koundé. Celta Vigo responded with a few counterattacks, but Iago Aspas and Jonathan Bamba missed key opportunities.
Barcelona’s defense remained resolute, and despite Celta’s spirited attempts, the Catalans went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Second Half
The second half saw Barcelona double their lead in the 61st minute. Robert Lewandowski finished off a swift counterattack, showcasing his predatory instincts in the box.
Celta Vigo refused to back down. Substitutes Alfon González and Hugo Álvarez made an instant impact, with Alfon scoring in the 84th minute. Two minutes later, Álvarez equalized with a composed finish, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Barcelona pushed for a late winner but couldn’t breach Celta’s resilient defense. The match ended 2-2.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Stats
| Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Stats | Celta Vigo | FC Barcelona |
| Possession (%) | 40.5% | 59.5% |
| Total Shots | 15 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 4 |
| Fouls | 13 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Offsides | 2 | 3 |
| Corners | 5 | 1 |
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Timeline
- 15′ – Goal! Raphinha puts Barcelona ahead with a precise shot. (0-1)
- 45′ – Halftime: Barcelona lead 1-0 despite Celta’s pressure.
- 61′ – Goal! Lewandowski extends the lead for Barcelona with a composed finish. (0-2)
- 84′ – Goal! Alfon González pulls one back for Celta Vigo. (1-2)
- 86′ – Goal! Hugo Álvarez equalizes with a brilliant strike. (2-2)
- 90′ – Full-Time: A thrilling contest ends level.
Impact on Points Table
The draw keeps Barcelona at the top of the La Liga 2024-2025 standings with 34 points from 14 games. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo remains mid-table, but the spirited comeback boosts their morale and provides a foundation to build upon.
Player Achievements
- Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona Man of the Match: Hugo Álvarez (Celta Vigo)
Álvarez’s equalizer and overall impact in the final third earned him the accolade. - Notable Performers:
- Raphinha (Barcelona): Scored and created several opportunities.
- Alfon González (Celta Vigo): Sparked Celta’s comeback with a vital goal.
- Lewandowski (Barcelona): Clinical as ever, scoring his 12th goal of the season.
The Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona clash epitomized La Liga’s unpredictability. Barcelona showcased their attacking prowess but were undone by Celta’s resilience and late-game heroics. This draw highlights the competitive nature of the league and serves as a reminder of the importance of consistency for title contenders.
FAQs
1. Who scored the goals in Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona, La Liga 2024-2025?
- Raphinha (15′) and Lewandowski (61′) scored for Barcelona. Alfon González (84′) and Hugo Álvarez (86′) scored for Celta Vigo.
2. How did Hugo Álvarez perform in the Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona match?
- Hugo Álvarez was instrumental in Celta’s comeback, scoring the equalizer and displaying excellent composure in attacking situations.
3. What was the impact of this Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona match draw on the La Liga 2024-2025 standings?
- Barcelona remains at the top with 34 points, while Celta Vigo gains a valuable point in their mid-table battle.
4. Why was Hugo Álvarez named Man of the Match in the Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona?
- Álvarez’s decisive goal and his ability to influence the game in critical moments made him the standout performer.
5. What were the key moments of the Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona match?
- Raphinha’s opener, Lewandowski’s strike, and the late goals by Alfon and Álvarez defined the narrative of the game.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona in La Liga 2024-2025 was a footballing spectacle that delivered drama, skill, and emotion in equal measure. Fans will eagerly anticipate their next encounter in this thrilling season.
