RC Celta started the match at Camp Nou with the intention of leading the game. Coudet’s team offered good intentions and had enough chances to get ahead on the scoreboard. The clearest, one by Iago Aspas when he took advantage of a defensive error that allowed him to stand alone in front of Ter Stegen. The player from Moaña was not agile and Ronald Araújo appeared “in extremis” to avoid a more than safe goal from the sky blue striker.
Forgiving a big team like FC Barcelona is usually a fatal mistake. This was the case, once again, in this match. The Culés took advantage of every one of their shots on goal to score. In the first half, Memphis and Aubameyang put Xavi Hernandez’s men ahead. After the restart, it was a new exercise in effectiveness. Aubameyang scored again to give the home side even more of a lead.
Iago Aspas popped up in the 50th minute to tap in from Galhardo’s pass, a goal that at least serves to boost the sky blue academy player in his race for another Zarra Trophy. The match was marked by the injury of Ronald Araújo, who was left lying on the pitch after a strong blow with his head against a teammate. The Uruguayan had to be evacuated by ambulance, although FC Barcelona reported that he is stable and out of danger.
RC Celta must now think about the next matchday, the last of the season at Abanca Balaídos. The clash against Elche CF must leave a good taste in the mouth of the team and fans before saying goodbye to the 21/22.
FACT SHEET
3 – FC BARCELONA: Ter Stegen, Alves (Mingueza, min.89), Araujo (Lenglet, min.68), Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba; F. De Jong, Gavi, Memphis (Ansu Fati, min.64), Ferran Torres (Riqui Puig, min.46), Aubameyang (De Jong, min.84), Dembélé.
1 – RC CELTA: Dituro, Kevin (Murillo, min.46), Aidoo, Araújo, Javi Galán, Fran Beltrán (Gabri Veiga, min.90), Brais Méndez, Denis Suárez (Solari, min.96), Cervi (Fontán, min.90), Aspas, Galhardo (Tapia, min.60).
Goals: Memphis (1-0, min.30), Aubameyang (2-0, min.41), Aubameyang (3-0, min.48), Iago Aspas (3-1, min.50).
Referee: Ortiz Arias, from the Madrid committee. Yellow cards for Eric García, De Jong and Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona); Murillo (RC Celta) was sent off with a straight red card.
Camp Nou (55,899 spectators).
Observations: The match had to be stopped for eight minutes due to Ronald Araújo fainting after a collision with his head. The player, who suffers a concussion, had to be evacuated by ambulance.
