Xavi hails Barcelona's 'winning character' after thrilling fightback victory over Celta

Barcelona manager Xavi hailed his team's "winning character" after fighting back from two goals down to beat Celta Vigo 3-2 on Saturday and move to the top of La Liga.

Jorgen Strand Larsen had given Celta a surprise lead in the 19th minute at the Olympic Stadium, and the visitors looked on course for a famous victory when Anastasios Douvikas struck a second with 14 minutes remaining.

However, Robert Lewandowski led the fightback, scoring Barca's first in the 81st minute before pulling his side level four minutes later. On-loan full back Joao Cancelo then scored the winner in the final minute of regular time.

"We didn't play well (but) came up with the epic, showing winning character," said Xavi, who celebrated his 50th La Liga win as Barcelona manager.

"Historically we have lacked that ... this shows the generational change we have, they didn't give up, two nil down at home.

"I think this generation fights until the end ... what happened today is a tremendous turning point of winning character, we didn't play well but it's about character, faith, the epic."

Celta manager Rafa Benitez set up his team in a typically defensive fashion, unlike Barcelona's recent visitors Real Betis and Royal Antwerp, whose attacking intent played right into Barca's hands.

Barcelona hit 10 goals in their previous two matches, with Xavi saying it was the best they had played in his reign, but this performance was largely at the other end of the spectrum.

"(Winning) tastes good, but is it better than the day against Betis or Antwerp? No, because this is not our path," said Xavi.

"Our path is the other day, playing well, moving the ball around high up the pitch – when we lower our intensity, this team suffers a lot."

Barcelona controlled the