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February 18, 2024

Celta Vigo 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski’s Stoppage-Time Penalty Secures Dramatic Win – La Liga

Robert Lewandowski scored a last-gasp penalty to give Barcelona a thrilling 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga. As the Catalans appeared destined for another dropped point in their title chase, a late penalty awarded in added time turned the tide. Although Lewandowski initially missed the penalty, the shot was retaken due to the goalkeeper’s early movement, and he converted the second chance to clinch the win.

Barcelona’s opener came just before halftime when Lewandowski skillfully controlled a pass from Lamine Yamal and finished powerfully. However, just two minutes after the restart, Iago Aspas equalized for Celta with a deflected shot, leaving the home side hopeful of securing at least a point.

As the match approached injury time, Fran Beltran attempted to clear a ball but Yamal intercepted, drawing a foul and winning a penalty for Barca. Vicente Guaita saved Lewandowski’s first attempt, but after VAR intervention confirmed Guaita was off his line, the penalty was retaken. This time, Lewandowski made no mistake, sealing a crucial victory that lifted Barcelona to third in the standings.

Talking Point: Is Lewandowski’s Penalty Legal?

The debate around Lewandowski’s penalty recalls the discussions sparked 36 years ago when John Aldridge popularized the stop-start technique for penalties at Liverpool. He altered his approach after Aldridge had his penalty saved in the FA Cup final. Now, we find ourselves revisiting this issue.

VAR closely monitors goalkeepers’ movements off the line, which seems overly strict, especially when reacting to a forward who momentarily halts their run before shooting. While replays indicate that part of Lewandowski’s body was always in motion, this raises the question: Should strikers who use this technique be granted a second chance if their actions draw the goalkeeper off the line?

Player of the Match: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Lewandowski showcased both brilliance and frustration in this match. No one in the world, not even Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé, can convert a perfectly placed ball into an unstoppable shot quite like he did just before halftime. Despite the game being lackluster overall, his decisive contributions earned him the Player of the Match award.

However, his reactions to full debutant Vitor Roque—particularly when their link-up play faltered—were less than flattering. Roque can take comfort in knowing that even seasoned players like Jakub Blaszczykowski, Kingsley Coman, and Arjen Robben found Lewandowski a challenging teammate at times.

Player Ratings

Celta Vigo: Guaita 7; Mingueza 7, Starfelt 6, Dominguez 6, Ristic 6; Tapia 6, Fran Beltran 6, De la Torre 6, Allende 6; Strand Larsen 6, Aspas 7.

Subs: Nunez 6, Sanchez 7, Swedberg 6, Vazquez 6, Douvikas 6.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6; Kounde 5, Araujo 6, Pau Cubarsi 6, Joao Cancelo 6; Christensen 6, De Jong 6, Pedri 6; Lamine Yamal 7, Vitor Roque 6; Lewandowski 7*.

Subs: Martinez 6, Gundogan 6, Raphinha 7, Lopez 6, Romeu 6.

Match Highlights

27′ CHRISTENSEN CHANCE: The ball drops for Christensen at the front post from a corner, but his shot from six yards out slides agonizingly wide.

45′ GOAL! CELTA 0-1 BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI): Yamal plays a precise ball into Lewandowski’s feet 20 yards from goal, allowing him to set up a powerful shot that drills past the goalkeeper from just inside the penalty area.

47′ GOAL! CELTA 1-1 BARCELONA (ASPAS): A clever backheel from Mingueza sets up Iago Aspas, whose shot deflects off Kounde and past Ter Stegen into the net.

90+3′ PENALTY FOR BARCELONA! An unclear decision at first, Yamal jumps in front of Beltran while attempting to volley, earning Barca a chance to win it.

90+6′ PENALTY MISSED! Lewandowski stutters before taking the kick, but Guaita saves it by diving to his left. The penalty is retaken due to Guaita being off his line.

90+7′ GOAL! BARCELONA 2-1 CELTA (LEWANDOWSKI): Lewandowski uses the same technique as before but shoots lower, leaving Guaita unable to reach it.

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