Celta Vigo vs Barcelona, La Liga: Team News, Match Preview

Barça look to return to winning ways in a historically difficult away game

The final international break of 2024 is finally behind us and Barcelona return to action to begin their end of the year schedule with a historically difficult La Liga road trip as the leaders face off against Celta Vigo at Balaídos on Saturday Night Fútbol.

Barça come into this one on the back of a defeat to Real Sociedad a fortnight ago that slowed down the momentum of a Blaugrana machine that had won seven games in a row prior to the loss at Anoeta, but it’s easier to remain optimistic about Hansi Flick’s side when we look at the manner of the loss, especially considering the hugely controversial Robert Lewandowski goal that was denied by an absurd offside call.

The Blaugrana didn’t play well against Sociedad but that was very much the only lowlight of an incredible last couple of months, so it’s easier to bet on their ability to reverse their fortunes quickly given the amount of trust and confidence they’ve built within themselves and with the fanbase as a whole.

That being said, a second loss in a row, as concerning as it would be, cannot be ruled out: Celta Vigo are having an excellent season and have played nothing but highly entertaining games for the past three months, with former Blaugrana Óscar Mingueza thriving as a wingback and Iago Aspas still playing at his very best even at the age of 37.

Manager Claudio Giráldez has brought an exciting brand of football built on a very well organized 3-4-3 system that causes havoc on the wings and can move the ball very quickly from back to front to create big chances with counter-attacks. They also have the size to cause issues on set pieces, but have a serious problem conceding chances and goals given their attacking tendencies.

The expectation for Saturday is a very open game with Celta playing like a team that has nothing to lose against a Barça side that will be hungry to return to winning ways, and it would be a huge surprise if this isn’t a high-scoring affair. Barça must be prepared for a very difficult game, and for Iago Aspas to once again turn into Superman against them.