La Liga 2023-24: Barcelona pip Celta Vigo in five-goal thriller
Barcelona came from behind to defeat Celta Vigo 3-2 on matchday six of the 2023-24 La Liga. Jorgen Larsen opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before Anastasious Douvikas added another in the second half. Robert Lewandowski netted a sensational brace while in-form Joao Cancelo scored the decisive winning goal to continue Barcelona's unbeaten run in La Liga. Here's more.
Celta Vigo scripted this record against Barcelona in La Liga
As per Opta, Celta Vigo have now lost twice in 16 games against Barcelona in La Liga when they have opened the scoring since the year 2000 (W8 D6). Their only other defeat 3-2 came in August 2006. Before this match, Celta have won six out of 20 La Liga matches against Barcelona in the last ten years (since September 2003).
Larsen scored his second league goal of the season
Larsen opened the scoring for the visitors after combing with De la Torre to slam it past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This was the winger's second league goal this season and his sixth La Liga goal overall. He netted four league goals last season.
Robert Lewandowski scored a timely brace
Lewandowski was at his best again for the Catalans as he scored a brilliant brace. He has now netted five goals in six La Liga matches this season. Overall, the Polish marksman has netted 28 La Liga goals in 40 appearances. The brace takes his overall tally to 39 goals for Barcelona in 53 matches.
Barcelona registers unique La Liga record
As per Opta, Barcelona became the second team in La Liga since the 1998-99 season to win a match after going behind in the 81st minute by two or more goals difference and scoring the first comeback goal in the last 10 minutes. The only other team to achieve this unique La Liga record before the Catalans was Athletic Club back in November 2001.
Joao Felix has been in fiery form
Joao Felix, who has joined Barcelona on loan, has found his feet for the Catalans. He assisted Lewandowski's first goal which started the comeback. As per Opta, Felix has been involved in five goals in his last three games in all competitions (three goals and two assists). He has been involved in five goals in his previous 23 games combined (five goals).
A look at the match stats
Barcelona had 15 attempts in comparison to Celta Vigo's 13 shots. However, the visitors had seven shots on target while the Catalans had only six. Xavi Hernandez's men clocked 75% possession and amassed 808 passes at 91% passing accuracy. Celta Vigo had won three corners.
How did the match pan out?
Larsen handed Celta the lead in the 19th minute as the visitors were brimming with confidence. They had a much better first half and could've scored more goals. In the second half, they doubled the lead through Douvikas, who combined brilliantly with Iago Aspas. But later, Lewandowski's quick-fire brace gave Barcelona an opening. Cancelo scored the winner as he slammed home from Gavi's cross.
