At the Camp Nou on Sunday night, Barcelona registered a narrow victory thanks to Pedri’s first-half effort to return to the top of the table in La Liga.
Hampered by the severe injury crisis at the back, Xavi opted for an unconventional backline. All three of Barcelona’s left-backs – Jordi Alba, Alejandro Balde, and Marcos Alonso – started the game in defence. While Alba held on to his natural position on the left, Alonso partnered Gerard Pique at the centre of defence while La Masia product Balde played on the right.
Barcelona started the contest on the front foot and dominated much of the early proceedings. Celta goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin made a brilliant save to deny a strong and powerful left-footed effort from Raphinha from outside the box.
The hosts then took the lead as defender Unai Nunez failed to completely deal with Gavi’s cross and his half-hearted clearance rebounded the ball back to Pedri, who had the simple job of tapping it home from close range. The midfield sensation has now scored eight goals from his last 16 shots in La Liga, finding the back of the net with each of his last four.
Celta came out on the other side of the break completely re-energised and created several chances. It took some gutsy defending from Barcelona’s makeshift backline as well as an excellent performance from keeper Marc Andre ter Stegen to protect their lead and secure the three points.
Barcelona have conceded just one goal in La Liga throughout the season so far and Ter Stegen has extended his clean-sheet streak in LaLiga to six games. The German international has not conceded a goal in seven of Barcelona’s eight league games this season.
The Blaugrana are level on 22 points with Real Madrid after eight games but have the better goal difference before the pair face each other next Sunday in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
