Five things we learned from Barcelona’s draw with Celta Vigo

Barcelona’s Most Open Game of the Season

Throughout the year, Barcelona have often played with a style that isn’t attractive and limits the opportunities for both teams. Against Celta Vigo though, the game was back and forth from the first minute. Both teams carved out magnificent scoring chances but were unable to edge ahead of each other. Overall, Barcelona should be considered lucky to be leaving with a draw, but certainly left fans and neutrals feeling enthralled with the pace of the game.

Valverde Puts in his Back-ups

Valverde fielded a starting XI of players of who have mostly played second fiddle this year because of the upcoming Copa del Rey. Although they haven’t played significant minutes this year, a majority of the players put in great performances. Yerry Mina finally got some minutes at the back and impressed with his poise in certain situations, while Nelson Semedo continued to impress on the right flank teaming up with Ousmane Dembele.

Denis Suarez – Where Have You Been?

Denis Suarez has played limited minutes this season and we must question why. Against Vigo he held possession maturely, linked up beautifully with Coutinho especially, as well as the rest of the team. While he did lose possession several times in compromising situations, he showed that he has the skill, potential, and desire to begin starting more games towards the end of this season and the beginning of the next one.

Sergi Roberto – What is Going On?

Sergi Roberto came on with Lionel Messi in the 70th minute. Less than 15 minutes later, he picked up a red card for preventing a 1 vs 1 opportunity for Iago Aspas against ter Stegen. While not entirely his fault, Roberto brought Aspas down and was sent off. Towards the end of this season, Roberto has seen a drop in his form. If Semedo continues to impress and the midfield is 100% healthy, Roberto may see his place in the starting XI start to disappear.

The Streak Continues

After the loss to Roma, almost every Barcelona fan was disappointed and angry. While many still are, the current La Liga winning streak is something to take great pride in. Now 40 games, Barcelona haven’t lost in La Liga all year. Not fielding Messi or Suarez to start, Valverde certainly risked ending the streak yesterday against a Vigo team that always gives stronger opposition trouble. In the end though, a 2-2 draw pulls the record to 40. Visca Barca!

Source: barcablaugranes.com