The Polish striker returned to form, bagging a vital two goals, but Xavi's side were once again vulnerable at the back
Robert Lewandowski scored a classic striker's goal, converted a stoppage-time penalty and looked more like his old, dominant self. It redeemed an otherwise poor performance from Barca, however, who were rather fortunate to snatch a 2-1 win against relegation-threatened Celta Vigo.
Both sides had their chances in the first half. Ronald Araujo was forced into an emphatic recovery run and clearance, while Barca created problems through the crafty Lamine Yamal on the right. Lewandowski grabbed the opener with a vintage turn and finish – smashing the ball past the helpless Vicente Guaita on the stroke of half-time. Celta responded immediately after the break, Iago Aspas' strike taking a harsh deflection off Jules Kounde and wrong-footing Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barca created little else for the remainder of proceedings. Celta, in fact, looked more likely to score in the second half, Aspas serving as a lively focal point in the final third. But the Blaugrana scraped a victory after Yamal was fouled in the box in the 93rd minute and Lewandowski converted from the spot at the second time of asking with Guaita came off his line for the Pole's original miss.
Xavi will take the three points, even if performances still need to be questioned – especially with a Champions League knockout game to come.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Balaidos…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Couldn't do anything about Aspas' deflected strike. Little else to do otherwise.
Jules Kounde (4/10):
Tried to block Aspas' effort and inadvertently deflected it past Ter Stegen. He was a bit loose with his general play and almost hurt his side with some careless touches and wayward passes.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
One fantastic burst of pace prevented a near-certain Celta goal in the first half. Steady throughout and better than in recent weeks. Removed with an apparent knock, which will be of concern.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Another solid showing from the 17-year-old. Won his tackles, played a few nice passes from deep. Not perfect, but he is growing by the week.
Joao Cancelo (4/10):
Disappointing at left-back. Got into advanced positions with regularity, but his final ball was poor.
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Andreas Christensen (6/10):
Operated well as a No.6. Kept it simple, and covered spaces. He's a better option than Oriol Romeu, it seems.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Floated around midfield, carried the ball effectively and found neat angles to work in. Completed 94% of his passes.
Pedri (6/10):
Less involved while operating as a No.10. Worked effectively when he had the ball,but Barca didn't really feed him enough.
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Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Typically lively on the wing, even if he lacked quality with his final ball. Assisted Lewandowski's opening goal and won the crucial penalty.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
A mixed showing in terms of general performance, but vital when it mattered. Scored both goals, linked up effectively with Yamal. He's finding some form.
Vitor Roque (5/10):
Rather misused coming in off the left. Removed on the hour without having much of an impact.
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Inigo Martinez (6/10):
Replaced Araujo, and turned in a solid second half.
Ilkay Gundogan (5/10):
An attacking change at 1-1. Didn't get involved much.
Raphinha (5/10):
Lacking quality in a disappointing 30 minutes.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
Lively, and added some real attacking thrust late on.
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Xavi (6/10):
Went for youth again, starting Cubarisi, Yamal and Roque. Barca were inconsistent throughout, putting some promising attacking spells together but also looking vulnerable defensively. Saved by a penalty re-take, in the end.