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Celta Vigo 2-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona’s curse at Balaidos continued on Sunday night as they recorded a painful 2-0 defeat in their final league game of the campaign. The result marked their fourth defeat in their last nine appearances at the venue.
The game was really about Celta Vigo’s relegation battle on Sunday, for the Galcicians were just one point clear of the relegation zone ahead of kickoff. Locking horns with the league champions on the final matchday, the odds were not in their favour.
Ultimately, it was a night to remember for Celta Vigo phenom Gabri Veiga who netted two goals against the Blaugranas to put his side in a position of strength. Ansu Fati pulled one back in the 78th minute, but it was not enough to pioneer a comeback.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Celta Vigo 2-1 Barcelona. The German international had the chance to etch his name in history with the sole highest number of clean sheets in a season in La Liga history. Yet, for hardly any fault of his, he missed out on the opportunity.
In the first half alone, ter Stegen made six vital saves including one from inside the box. However, there was nothing even the in-form goalkeeper could do against the stunning finish from Gabri Veiga. Came off after the hour mark to mark the end of his spectacular Zamora-winning season. Barely involved in any productive play in the opening period, Roberto was a liability defensively and provided nothing going forward in attack. He donned the captain’s armband but was one of the most underwhelming players on the field. The Frenchman showed defensive grit throughout his display on the night and even led the Catalan central defence in the second period. Recorded six defensive actions and crossed the 100-pass mark at Balaidos. Started the game at centre-back and was close to flawless in his 45 minutes on the field. Completed 98% of his passes, 100% long balls and seven defensive actions. Came off for Gavi at half-time. The Spaniard received a rare start at left-back owing to Alba’s exit and Balde’s injury. Carried out his duties effectively in defence, was dominant in the air and even had a key pass to his name in the first period. Though both Celta’s goals came down his flank, there was not much he could do to prevent them. Appeared to have scored the opener just 11 minutes into the game with a strong finish before replays showed that he was significantly off-side. Around 15 minutes later, he once again came dangerously close when he got to the end of Lewandowski’s cross but could not control the header.
Did not do anything flashy during his remaining time on the field but was secure in possession. The Spaniard was, in theory, Barcelona’s first line of defence as the defensive midfielder. It soon became obvious, however, that Garcia offered no real enhancement in protection.
In the first half alone, the La Masia star was dribbled past three times and could not complete a single interception or tackle. Unsurprisingly, he moved back to central defence in the second half. It was the Dutchman who uncharacteristically lost the ball in a dangerous area for Celta Vigo’s opening goal. Apart from the minor slip-up, he was the Catalans’ best midfielder by a significant margin. The Brazilian had half a chance in just the ninth minute of action and was a constant threat down the right flank whenever Barcelona needed creativity or inspiration. Wrapped up his season with three successful dribbles and two key passes at Balaidos. The Pichichi leader was involved extensively in the final third against Celta Vigo. He hit the woodwork once, had two shots off the target and created one big chance on the night. Subpar game for the former Manchester City man who struggled to even involve in the buildup. He showed all the signs of an under-confident player, albeit with a few moments of genius.
SUBSTITUTES The Golden Boy entered the field at half-time in light of Garcia’s underwhelming display. His entry brought stability to the Catalan midfield and made them coherent once again. The youngster pulled back one goal for Barcelona late in the game as he perfectly timed his run past the Celta defence and completed a difficult finish. Conceded tamely within seconds of coming on in the second half. Made just eight touches in 24 minutes after coming on but provided a sweet cross for Ansu Fati’s goal on the night. Completed only five passes in the fourteen touches he made on the night.

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