Barcelona’s thrilling comeback against Celta Vigo left fans in awe, with coach Xavi Hernandez attributing the dramatic turnaround to a generational shift in society. The LaLiga clash saw Robert Lewandowski net two late goals, followed by João Cancelo’s 89th-minute winner, as Barça triumphed 3-2 at the Olympic Stadium.
This remarkable victory marked a historic moment for Barcelona, becoming the first La Liga team in 14 seasons to win when trailing by multiple goals entering the 80th minute. Incredibly, in that time span, teams in similar situations had a dismal record of 0 wins, 17 losses, and 1,963 draws.
Xavi, speaking in a post-match press conference, expressed his admiration for his team’s spirit, saying, “It was a spectacular comeback. We really believed until the end. We played with faith and courage. It was a comeback born from a will to win. When you don’t play well, you need these qualities.”
The coach highlighted the changing mentality of the younger generation, emphasizing their resilience and determination. He specifically mentioned rising talents like Gavi, Alejando Balde, and Lamine Yamal, underlining their crucial role in shaping the team’s winning character.
Gavi, who came on as a substitute for the injured Frenkie de Jong, played a pivotal role in the comeback. Xavi praised the young midfielder, saying, “If we have to personify the comeback in someone, it would be Gavi. But this was a team effort.”
Celta Vigo had initially taken the lead with a goal from Jörgen Strand Larsen in the first half, followed by Anastasios Douvikas’ effort that seemingly secured an upset win for the visitors. However, Lewandowski’s late heroics, assisted by João Félix and Cancelo, turned the tide in Barcelona’s favor.
Xavi acknowledged the importance of the win but also emphasized the need for improvement, saying, “The win tastes really good, but not better than [the 5-0 wins against Real] Betis and Antwerp because that’s our path. The path is those games, playing well, better ball circulation. When our intensity drops, the team suffers a lot.”
The victory, however, was marred by an ankle injury to Frenkie de Jong, with early estimates suggesting he could be sidelined for over a month. Xavi expressed concern about the extent of the injury, stating, “We hope it’s not bad.”
In conclusion, Barcelona’s incredible comeback against Celta Vigo not only showcased their fighting spirit but also underscored the evolving mindset of a new generation, according to coach Xavi Hernandez. The thrilling victory marked a significant moment in LaLiga history and left fans eager to see more from this resurgent Barcelona side.
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