Barcelona Starts Off Their League Campaign with an Exhilarating 3-2 Victory Over a Determined Celta Vigo Side

DC Soccer Staff, August 28, 2006

Vigo, Spain - Brazilian forward Fernando Baiano of Celta Vigo opened up the scoring 3 minutes from half time when Rafa Marquez was shook out of his boots by Celta’s left wing Nene, who then ripped a shot that Valdes could only palm into Baiano’s path.

Celta de Vigo continued to grant possession to Barcelona, who averaged over 60% for the game, and Barcelona was rewarded for their advantage in minute 56.  Eto’o played a sharp ball across the box to Messi.  Having continued his run, Messi slipped the ball through, past an offside Giuly, to Eto’o who ran from an onside position to finish at the near post. 

Four minutes later, Barcelona took the lead when a brilliant run from center midfielder Andres Iniesta led himself to the top of the box, where he laid the ball off to his left for Messi, who turned brilliantly without touching the ball, before unleashing a left footed shot along the ground to the goalie’s left.

Celta Vigo’s battling spirit brought them back on level terms just 5 minutes later.  A foul on the corner of the box was taken quickly, and after the ball went just beyond the Puyol - Baiano paring, former Argentinian international Gustavo Lopez reacted quickest to step in front of Van Bronckhorst to toe poke the ball off the post and in.

The game, which continued at a frantic pace, looked to be headed for a 2-2 draw until Barca substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen volleyed home from 8 yards 2 minutes from time to give his new team all 3 points.

The game was full of enterprise, skill and determination from both sides throughout the 90 minutes and was an excellent example of 2 sides playing for a victory.  Barcelona may have seized the initiative by claiming 60% of the possession, but Celta Vigo had a game plan that worked brilliantly until they were undone in the end, and showed their fighting skills, especially to draw level after going down 2-1 to Messi’s well taken goal. 

Final thoughts

Gudjohnsen could see himself slotted into the starting lineup sooner rather than later if Ronaldinho fails to recover from his knock, and Giuly performs like he did again.  Giuly has never been one to fit into Barca’s slick passing, but his speed up the wing and right-footed shot has always gotten results.  However, if Gudjohnsen can find his goal scoring boots early on, his skill on the ball should find himself in front of Giuly as the season plays out.  Edmilson also performed well when coming on for Motta in the second half, though Xavi will also be back in the starting lineup after getting a rest in this one.  Rafa Maruquez performed very well with Puyol in the back, although the way he dove in and was beaten badly on the first goal may have Thuram thinking…