A late Robert Lewandowski penalty helped Barcelona to maximum points in a difficult away clash at Celta Vigo.
Polish marksman Robert Lewandowski scored in either half to help Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo.
Xavi Hernandez’s team traveled to Galicia to face Rafael Benitez’s men, following the disappointing draw against Granada last week.
The defending champions seeked to return to winning ways, and they had to strive for it, needing a late winner from the penalty spot to snatch maximum points.
Lewandowski with the brace
Xavi Hernandez trusted the team that drew at home to Granada, except for one change.
Vitor Roque, who was suspended for last week’s clash, started alongside Lewandowski up front, while Gundogan was dropped to the bench. A tweak from last week’s four-man midfield to a 4-3-3.
The Blaugrana dominated early possession but failed to look threatening. Celta on the other hand, fashioned some decent chances on the break.
Lewandowski broke the deadlock just before the break when his incredible first touch lifted a Lamine Yamal pass before volleying past a flat-footed Vincente Guiata.
The lead did not last for long, however, as Iago Aspas equalised almost immediately after returning from the break after former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza set him up with the assist.
Barcelona toiled for a winner, and when they looked doomed for consecutive draws, Lewandowski won a penalty in the 96th minute.
His spot-kick attempt was saved by Guaita, but he was ordered to replay after the Spanish goalkeeper was found to have stepped off his line.
The Pole made no mistake with his second attempt, firing over the line and into the back of the net to hand Barcelona maximum points.
