Liga leaders Barca suffer late collapse in Celta draw

La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a dramatic collapse in a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski’s goals put the Catalans in a healthy position but Marc Casado’s red card in the 82nd minute helped Celta snatch a point.

Alfonso Gonzalez capitalised on a Jules Kounde error to pull a goal back before Hugo Alvarez levelled two minutes later.

Barcelona have won 11 league games this season but this became the third they have failed to take three points from without teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

Coach Hansi Flick said he would challenge his side to win without the injured 17-year-old wing wizard and it seemed like they were managing it until their spectacular late crumble.

Barcelona are five points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, with champions Real Madrid, third, playing on Sunday at Leganes.

“We had the game under control but the red card had a big impact on us and they scored two goals in two moves and we have to learn from that,” Barcelona midfielder Gavi told DAZN.

“The first goal was so stupid, we have to clear the ball there, but it’s football and we have to learn from it, with one man less it’s hard.”

Gavi made his first start in over a year after recovering from a severe knee injury.

“I’m happy, after a year, but the truth is the important thing was the three points and it wasn’t possible,” added the 20-year-old.

Flick shifted Raphinha into Yamal’s position on the right, using Dani Olmo on the left and Pedri in attacking midfield.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 15th minute, slotting home neatly to continue his fine form after Kounde lofted a ball forward for him.

Barcelona left-back Gerard Martin was issued an early booking and lived on the edge in the first half, nudging over Iago