Barcelona edged Celta 1-0 in a tense first half clash where the Galicians pushed hard after the break, proving they deserved more than the final result suggested. Pedro Gonzalez highlighted Barça as they defended their spot at the top, while Celta sought chances in a game that showcased both teams’ fighting spirit.
The leaders head to the Bernabéu next week carrying mixed feelings. They were unable to add to their tally at Camp Nou despite Ter Stegen’s outstanding habit of keeping the goal safe, and Celta posed the sharper threats on the day, creating several clear chances.
Pedri and the Barça squad took to the pitch with energy as the match circulated around the midfield. The best narrative for Barcelona was the result itself, even though composure seemed to waver at times and the intensity of the moment weighed heavy on the players as the clock ticked down.
The tactical shape saw Xavi Hernandez switch pieces in the lineup. Eric García and Marcos Alonso were placed centrally, while Dembélé moved to the opposite flank with Raphinha on the right and Ferran on the left. Gavi and Pedri filled the central roles as the team searched for balance.
Gavi delivered a standout performance with precise interceptions and release plays, while Busquets provided measured guidance in the middle. Barcelona started tentatively but grew into the game, even if the tempo dropped in the second half.
Raphinha created the early threat with a long-range effort that tested the visiting goalkeeper. Ferran began with intent but his distribution lost some clarity as the minutes wore on. Lewandowski did not find his best touch on the day, but the team found rhythm through the midfield engine of Busquets and the dynamic runs of Pedri. A move began with Busquets, continued with Gavi, and culminated in a composed finish by Pedri in the 17th minute, marking one of the simpler goals of his career.
Celta adjusted by staying compact and looking to counter. Aspas and Cervi sparked their most promising moments, with Larsen providing a ready-made outlet on the left. Ter Stegen faced a handful of testing moments as the visitors pressed high, and the German keeper saved or repelled the most dangerous balls to keep the score tight.
Barcelona remained slightly off their best form, yet opportunities continued to appear. Jordi Alba tested the goalkeeper with a snapshot in the 24th minute, and a late first-half set-piece saw a Piqué shot blocked as the local crowd pressed for a second goal before the break.
As the second half developed, Celta intensified their approach. Óscar Rodríguez had a bright moment and Aspas created danger on the edge of the box, though the finishing touch eluded them. Marcos Alonso contributed with decisive defending and timely advances to relieve pressure, while Ter Stegen remained the anchor at the back, keeping Barcelona ahead as the guests pressed for parity.
The visitors continued to threaten into the late stages as Larsen produced a clever backplay to keep Barcelona alert. A late offside call briefly interrupted the atmosphere, but the game remained open until the final whistle.
Aspas tried to pepper the keeper with several attempts and Carles Pérez injected pace when he replaced a tiring Dembélé. The substitution added urgency to Barcelona’s attack, yet Celta’s defense held firm to deny late equalizers.
Ultimately, the night belonged to Barcelona with a 1-0 victory that could have swung either way on another evening. The win preserved their lead in La Liga, even as their upcoming Champions League demands loomed large three days later.
Data sheet
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Balde, Piqué, Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri (De Jong, 63); Raphinha (Dembélé, 63), Lewandowski, Ferran Torres (Ansu Fati, 63).
Celta de Vigo: Marchesin; Hugo Mallo (Óscar Mingueza, 93), Núñez, Aidoo Jr, Javi Galán; Veiga (Solari, 75), Cervi (Patience, 84), Beltrán, Óscar; Larsen (Carles Pérez, 75) and Iago Aspas.
Goal: 1-0, 17: Pedri.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Unai Núñez (61) and Alba (71) and Busquets (85) were among the cautioned players.
Attendance: 81,525 at Spotify Camp Nou. This was an eighth round fixture in LaLiga Santander, with a moment of silence observed for a recently deceased former Barça player.