Celta Vigo welcomed Barcelona on Saturday knowing that three points would have moved them out of the relegation zone in La Liga.
Both sides had chances in a lively first period, but it was the home team took the lead courtesy of a tidy finish from Natxo Insa after 38 minutes.
Celta's lead did not last long, however, with Cristian Tello whipping a powerful effort into the bottom corner in the latter stages of the half.
Barcelona continued to push in the latter stages and their second eventually arrived courtesy of Lionel Messi after 73 minutes.
However, there was to be late drama with Borja Oubina securing a point for the home side with a powerful header late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! We return to league action this weekend following the international break. It started in disappointment for Spain as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Finland, but they took charge in Group I with a 1-0 win over France in Paris. However, both teams now switch their focus to more pressing matters as the end of the La Liga season draws ever nearer.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make pleasant reading for Celta. Barcelona have won each of the last five matches, scoring at least three times in the last three games between the pair. The last time Celta welcomed the Catalan outfit to this stadium was in 2006, when the Spanish giants picked up a 3-2 win.
Although Celta’s season will not be decided by facing the likes of Barcelona, they simply have to start picking up points if they are to remain in the division. As it stands they sit 19th in the table, three points from safety. The 3-1 defeat to basement outfit Deportivo last time out would have done their confidence no favours.
Celta’s home record has not been too impressive this season, meanwhile, with five wins from their 13 matches. However, their form on this ground has certainly been better than their away record this season, with just one win from 15 matches. They must make this stadium a fortress in the latter stages of the season.
Barcelona, meanwhile, picked up their third straight win in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano before the international break. They have taken 15 points from their last six matches to extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points. Only one of the biggest collapses of all time will prevent them from regaining the La Liga crown.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Varas; Cabral, Demidov, Lago, Johny; Pranjic, Oubina, Fernandez, Insa; Park, Orellana
BARCELONA: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Montoya, Bartra; Fabregas, Song, Thiago; Sanchez, Messi, Tello
So there we have it. The home side are without leading scorer Iago Aspas, meaning that on-loan Arsenal striker Chu-young Park comes into the team alongside Orellana. Borja Oubina also starts, but there is no spot for Mario Bermejo. Barcelona make a host of changes, meanwhile, with Martin Montoya, Marc Bartra and Alex Song coming into the team.
Barcelona will also be able to call upon the best away record in the division ahead of this match with 11 wins from their 14 matches, although both of their league defeats this season have come away from the Camp Nou. Perhaps not too surprisingly, the Catalan outfit also have the best home record this season with 13 wins and one draw from 14 matches.
Let’s take a look at some statistics ahead of the match. Celta have conceded 41 goals in their 28 matches to date, which is just 10 more than Barcelona. However, the home side have scored just 27 goals, which is the fourth-fewest in the division. Barcelona, meanwhile, have scored 88 goals thus far, 17 more than Real Madrid.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Barcelona may be understrength, but I just cannot see them not winning. It is a comfortable away victory for me.
Just a reminder of the main team news for the match. No Aspas for the home side through suspension, but Park does come into the team alongside Orellana. Lionel Messi starts for Barcelona, meanwhile, but there is no David Villa, Andres Iniesta or Xavi. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
It's a bright start from the home side as a stray pass from Fabregas allows Oubina to attack down the right, but Alves is across to quell the danger at the vital moment. It must be said that there is a tremendous atmosphere inside the stadium this early evening, which will certainly aid the home supporters.
Just a quick word on Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova. The Spaniard took charge of his first training session last week, but was advised not to travel to this match as he continues his recovery from cancer. However, it is expected that he will be in charge for the final stages of the campaign. Bright start from the home side in the opening four minutes as they continue to press Barcelona high up the pitch.
First real sign of Barcelona as Messi collects possession before finding Tello with a sweeping pass, the Spaniard takes one touch before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Roberto Lago is across to clear at the vital moment. Barcelona have just started to take control of the ball, but that has not quelled the noise of the home supporters.
It's good work from Lago as the Spaniard bursts behind his midfield before attempting to move into the Barcelona box, but Pique is across to clear. Tello has possession down the other end moments later, but he is forced into a mistake by solid Celta possession. Really bright opening to this match, but neither side has created a clear chance in the eight minutes thus far.
It is fabulous to see Eric Abidal on the Barcelona bench this afternoon as he continues his recovery from cancer. However, I suspect that he will not be used in this match unless it is absolutely necessary. Again Thiago is the threat as he runs behind the Celta defence, but the pass from Fabregas is just too long for his fellow Spanish international.
Just a quick word on the pitch this evening. There has been a lot of rain in Vigo over the past month, which has make this pitch ever so slippery. You have to think that will favour Barcelona's quick passing style. Good pressure from Celta as they force back-to-back corners, but Barcelona manage to clear the danger. It remains goalless with 12 minutes on the clock.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. It's good work from Park as the on-loan Arsenal striker takes hold of the ball before releasing Insa down the right, but the Spaniard is just phased out at the final moment. Plenty for the home supporters to be positive about in the opening stages of the first period.
Celta have the ball in the back of the net as Fernandez finds the back of the net from close range, but the linesman raises his flag at the final moment. It was some finish from the Argentine. Barcelona attempt to break down the other end with Tello, but the young Spaniard is denied by Johny, who has reportedly attracted the interest of the visitors this season.
Alves is once more the threat for the away side as he combines with Pique before driving down the right, but Lago is across to quell the danger at the vital moment. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening 18 minutes, with neither side forcing the issue in the final third. But we all know that Barcelona can turn it on at any given moment.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they continue to utterly dominate possession, but Celta have not been too worried with their threat thus far. Sanchez is involved for the away side as he collects a through pass from Messi, but once more Cabral is across to clear. Celta just need to start testing the La Liga leaders down the other end.
It's good work from Orellana this time as the striker turns on the edge of the Barcelona penalty area before slipping a pass towards Insa, but Alves comes across to make the clearance. Messi has the chance to run behind the Celta defence moments later, but Varas is out to quell the danger at the final moment.
Again the threat comes in a wide position for Barcelona as Tello darts behind the Celta defence, but he moves into an offside position after finding Song outside the box. The atmosphere remains in the stadium, but Celta are just struggling to get hold of the ball as this first period continues to gather pace. The score remains goalless with 24 minutes on the clock.
Controversial moment in the match as the referee awards a free kick to Barcelona following a tussle between Bartra and Park, although it did appear that the decision should have gone to the home side. If the official did favour Celta, then it would have been a penalty and a red card. Big moment in this first period. Barcelona have got away with one there.
Decent spell for the home side as Orellana collects possession outside the penalty area before finding Insa, the Spaniard in turn finds Pranjic on the opposite wing, but his cross into the penalty area is headed clear by Pique. Barcelona break down the other end, but Johny is across to fell Tello.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Messi whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but there are no takers with Varas allowed to come and collect. Park is involved down the other end moments later, but he never had the pace to run away from Pique. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Vigo.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Pique miscues a clearance, but Pinto just manages to claw clear at the vital moment. The rebound falls to Orellana, but once more Pinto is across to make a fine save. Wonderful goalkeeping from the Catalan's number two.
The resulting corner also causes problems in the Barcelona penalty area, but the threat is eased following the referee's whistle. Messi wants a penalty down the other end moments later as he goes down under the challenge of Demidov, but the referee is not interested. Another controversial moment in this match.
CHANCE! Just about Barcelona's clearest chance of the match as Messi feeds Tello in a wide position, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Both sides have had chances to open the scoring in the last five minutes or so. Not too much time remaining in the first period in Vigo.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Messi strikes a free kick from outside the penalty area, but his effort deflects off the wall before moving behind for a corner. Thiago takes the resulting corner, but it evades everyone before moving out for a goal kick. Little over five minutes of the first period to play and the score remains goalless.
Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Messi collects a pass from Sanchez before flicking his effort past Varas, but the offside flag is raised. Should the Argentine score this evening, then he will have found the goal in his 19th league game in a row. What can you say about that? Just sensational. Not too much to report from the home side as we enter the final few moments of the first period.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-0 Barcelona (Insa)
Celta take the lead! It's sloppy defending from Barcelona as Orellana is allowed to dance into the Barcelona penalty area before finding Insa, who turns into the back of the net from close range. That is a massive strike at this stage of the match.
Celta continue to force the issue as Orellana darts into the box once more before striking towards goal, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Messi attempts to force the issue down the other end as he finds Tello before collecting the resulting pass, but Oubina fells the Argentine.
The resulting free kick is taken by Messi, but his effort is pushed wide by Varas, who has been alert in this first period. The threat remains from the corner, but the referee awards a free kick for a push on Cabral. It is so important that Celta hold onto the lead in the latter stages of this half.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-1 Barcelona (Tello)
What was I saying? Well Celta cannot hang on. It's wonderful from Messi as the Argentine finds Tello in a wide area, the Spaniard takes one touch before whipping his effort into the bottom corner. Two goals in the latter stages of this pulsating first period.
Barcelona have taken control of the ball in the latter stages of the first period with Celta struggling to deal with the intensity. The half-time interval will come at a good time for the home side. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Celta Vigo 1-1 Barcelona
So there we have it, the referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Celta had the lead late in the half courtesy of a smart finish from Insa, but Tello levelled in the final moments of the first period. It has been a high-tempo encounter thus far.
STATISTICS: Not too surprisingly, Barcelona have dominated the possession with 72%, but they have had just three attempts to Celta's four. Meanwhile, both teams have tested the opposing goalkeeper on two separate occasions. It has also not been a particularly untidy match with two bookings for Celta to Barcelona's one.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have attacking options on the bench in the shape of Mario Bermejo and Enrique de Lucas. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the likes of David Villa, Andres Iniesta and exciting youngster Gerard Deulofeu. There are certainly goals in that list.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening. Following the completion of this match we have action from Zaragoza as the home side welcome Real Madrid, before Levante host Sevilla in the late start. Be sure to remain with us as the evening unfolds. There are certain to be plenty of twists and turns.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either team at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of events. As it stands, Barcelona would move 14 points clear at the top of the table, but Celta would remain in the bottom three. The home side get the half underway.
Celta have not looked like a team that has lost six of their last seven in the league, but you just get the feeling that Barcelona goal before the interval has dented their chances in this particular match. The next goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in terms of the final result. Fairly laboured start to the half from both teams.
Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the half with the likes of Fabregas, Song and Thiago seeing plenty of the ball, but the Celta defence has been unthreatened thus far. Not much of an atmosphere it must be said. The home side really need their supporters as the match wares on.
It's good work from Sanchez as the Barcelona winger combines with Alves before whipping a low cross into the box, Tello makes a move at the final moment, but Varas is out to claim at the vital moment. Not too much to report in the opening seven minutes of the second period with both teams attempting to feel their way back into proceedings.
The referee has just pulled Orellana to one side following his decision to dive twice in quick succession, but the Celta forward is not awarded a yellow card. There is just no place for that kind of action in football, but the problem remains. Not too much from the home side in this second period with Park struggling to exert his influence on the match.
Barcelona continue to dictate the tempo with Song and Fabregas controlling the middle of the park, but they are not really threatening to take the lead. Park is involved down the other end as he meets a pass from Fernandez, but the flag is raised. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Vigo.
CHANCE! Just about the clearest opening of the second period for the home side as Fernandez finds Park in the penalty area, but the on-loan Arsenal striker can only fire wide of the post. That was the moment. Barcelona are certainly not comfortable in defence this evening.
Barcelona create a period of pressure down the other end with two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Varas before Pique heads the second over the crossbar. A diagonal ball from Pique finds Tello moments later, but the Spaniard just cannot control at the final moment. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the second period thus far.
Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net once more as Messi finds Tello in the penalty area, but once more the flag is raised at the vital moment. Meanwhile, the home side make their first change of the evening as the experienced Mario Bermejo replaces Park, who has once more struggled to make an impact.
Tello is involved once more as the Spanish winger collects a pass from Messi before darting into the box, but Varas is out to clear at the vital moment. The crowd air their frustrations once more as Sanchez drives behind the Celta defence, but Varas is out to collect. Little under 25 minutes of football to play in Vigo and the score remains 1-1.
Here comes trouble for the home side. Barcelona make their first change of the match as Iniesta replaces Thiago. I suspect that the away side would have wanted to save the Spaniard for the Champions League next week, but there is a danger that this match could get away from Barcelona. In truth, it has not been a great second period thus far.
It is almost like a training match at the moment with Barcelona dominating possession of the ball and Celta happy to sit back and absorb the danger. Meanwhile, the away side make their second change of the evening as Villa replaces Sanchez. Another problem for Celta to contain in the final 20 minutes or so.
Meanwhile, Celta make a change of their own as former Bayern Munich midfielder is replaced by De Lucas, who Chelsea fans will remember for his spell at Stamford Bridge. He is coming to the end of his career, but has still made an impact this season. It would be one of his finest moments if he could force a winner in the latter stages.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Tello drives into the penalty area before finding Villa in the box, but Lago is across to quell the danger at the final moment. Stunning defending from the Spaniard. You suspect that Celta will come under increasing pressure in the final 15 minutes or so.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-2 Barcelona (Messi)
It is another record for Messi. Not only has the Argentine scored in his last 19 league games, he has now scored against all 19 La Liga teams in succession. Wonderful from Tello once more as the winger drives down the left before finding the Argentine, who converts from close range.
Another half-chance for the away side as Tello drives down the right before cutting inside, but his effort is just wide of the post. The winger has caused all sorts of problems to Celta this evening. You suspect that there are more goals in the final 15 minutes or so.
It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment as Barcelona continue to dominate possession in the final third. Messi comes close as the Argentine dances past two challenges before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but Varas is across to make the save. Not much for the home supporters to get excited about as things stand.
Messi is involved once more as the Argentine combines with Fabregas before striking from close range, but once more Varas is more than equal to the danger. Meanwhile, Celta make their second change of the match as Madinda replaces Insa, who has struggled since finding the back of the net.
That second Barcelona goal has completely killed the atmosphere in this stadium. You just felt that Celta had to hold onto the lead in the first period in order to keep the supporters with them, but that was not the case. Barcelona are just about as comfortable as they could possibly imagine at this stage of the match.
Finally the home side create an attacking threat as De Lucas combines with Orellana before darting beyond the Barcelona defence, but the offside flag is raised. Meanwhile, the away side make their third and final change of the evening as Busquets replaces Fabregas for the final five minutes or so.
Slightly untidy end to the match with the home side diving into a number of challenges. In fairness, it has not been that sort of game, but frustration is an obvious issue. Chance for number three for Barcelona as Alves darts into the penalty area, but his low cross into the box is cleared by Lago.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona (Oubina)
Celta equalise! Wow! Entirely against the run of play Oubina emerges at the far post to thump his header into the back of the net. Poor defending from Barcelona, but the home side will feel that they are worth a draw this evening.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match and we are indeed into the second of those. Not too much to report since the fourth goal, with Barcelona keeping hold of the ball. What a point for the home side.
FULL-TIME: Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. Celta equalise in the final moments to secure a share of the spoils against Barcelona. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Zaragoza against Real Madrid. Until then!
