Xavi faces mounting pressure despite his recent announcement of stepping down as Barcelona’s coach at the end of the season. Barcelona’s Polish forward, Robert Lewandowski, celebrates after scoring the team’s opening goal during the Spanish league football clash between RC Celta de Vigo and FC Barcelona (AFP).
“I don’t know what happened in the first penalty, but the goalkeeper was off the line too fast and I had the chance to score as usual in the second penalty,” Lewandowski said. “It was very important for us to get these three points, and now we can start focusing on the Champions League.”
Barcelona visits Napoli on Wednesday in the first leg of the round of 16. The five-time European champion is back in the Champions League knockout rounds after two consecutive eliminations in the group stage.
“It was a hard-fought victory, but it was thoroughly deserved,” stated Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, reflecting on the team’s performance.
Despite recently announcing his decision to step down as Barcelona coach at the end of the season, Xavi has faced mounting pressure. However, the team has managed to secure 10 out of 12 possible points since his announcement.
Barcelona currently trails Spanish league leaders Real Madrid by seven points, with Real Madrid having the opportunity to widen the gap to 10 points on Sunday when they face Rayo Vallecano. Additionally, Barcelona sits two points behind second-placed Girona, who will play against Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
Maintaining a three-point advantage over fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who secured a resounding 5-0 victory against Las Palmas, Barcelona’s position remains precarious in the league standings.
Robert Lewandowski continued his impressive form by scoring his third goal in as many matches, giving Barcelona the lead with a well-executed cross shot after controlling a pass from Lamine Yamal.
However, Celta Vigo managed to equalize early in the second half through Iago Aspas’ low shot, which deflected off Barcelona defender Jules Koundé.
Rafa Benítez’s Celta Vigo, experiencing a rough patch with five losses in their last six matches across all competitions, remains in 17th place, just three points above the relegation zone. Their previous defeat against Getafe saw them concede a heartbreaking 89th-minute goal, adding to their woes.
“Atletico Rebounds”
Just in time for the Champions League playoffs, Atletico Madrid put an end to their three-game winless streak with a commanding victory over Las Palmas. The team now gears up to face Inter Milan in the first leg of the round of 16.
At the Metropolitano Stadium, Marcos Llorente and Ángel Correa both scored twice, with Memphis Depay adding another goal to secure a convincing win for Atletico.
Despite Coach Simeone’s decision to rotate the squad ahead of their crucial trip to Milan on Tuesday, Atletico delivered an impressive performance. Forward Antoine Griezmann started on the bench alongside midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, while striker Álvaro Morata was sidelined due to injury.
“We are pleased with the team’s effort,” stated Correa, who notched up two goals and an assist. “Everything fell into place for us.”
Las Palmas, who had won three of their last five league matches, remained in eighth place, still within striking distance of a European qualification spot.
In another match on Saturday, Ante Budimir’s brace secured a 2-0 victory for 11th-placed Osasuna over 18th-placed Cadiz at home. Cadiz’s winless streak extended to 23 matches across all competitions.
Sevilla and Valencia played out a goalless draw in Valencia. Despite winning their last two matches, Sevilla now sits in 14th place, while Valencia remains in eighth position.