Celta Vigo goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin makes a save past Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Celta Vigo at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain on Sunday October 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
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MADRID
Barcelona keep winning – at least in the Spanish league.
The Catalan club beat Celta Viga 1-0 on Sunday for their seventh straight win in the competition, reclaiming top spot and boosting confidence ahead of a decisive Champions League game against Inter Milan.
Barcelona have been unable to repeat their league success in the group stage of European competition, and anything but a home win against Inter on Wednesday will leave the club on the brink of elimination for a second season. consecutive after the departure of Lionel Messi.
Barcelona lost to Inter last week in Italy for their second straight Champions League loss.
In the Spanish league, however, Barcelona have been perfect since a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano at home.
Pedri González scored the winning goal on Sunday in the 17th minute with an easy shot into the open goal after Celta defender Unai Núñez could not completely clear a low cross from Gavi Páez.
Celta, who had won three of their last five league matches, played well in the second half but failed to capitalize on their scoring chances at Camp Nou.
“The way we played, not even a draw would have been a fair result,” said Celta striker Iago Aspas. “We created five or six chances in the second half.”
The visitors had a goal disallowed for offside in the 70th minute and Barcelona needed a good performance from goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
“We suffered a bit more than we should have,” said Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso. “But what’s important is that in the end we got the three points.”
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said the team should have finished the game before half-time.
“We struggled too much in the second half,” Xavi said. “They had clear chances to score at the end. It was an important victory, but there is a lot to improve.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer with nine goals, saw his scoring streak in the last six rounds come to an end.
The result sets up a showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu next Sunday in the first clásico of the season.
The rivals have the same 22 points after eight matches, but Barcelona are ahead on goal difference.
Hernández was without several defenders due to injuries and had to improvise a defensive formation starting with three left-backs – Alejandro Balde played at right-back and Marcos Alonso at centre-back, with Jordi Alba in his usual position.
Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati started the game on the bench, with Raphinha and Ferran Torres earning their chances early on.
Barcelona, who haven’t conceded in their last six league games, picked up their second successive victory against Celta. He was coming off another 1-0 win – at Mallorca.
The Vigo club are in 11th place with 10 points from eight matches.
BETIS HOLDS ON
Real Betis held on to a 0-0 draw at Valladolid despite playing over an hour with a man down as defender Germán Pezzella was sent off in the 35th minute.
Betis received a red card from defender Luiz Felipe in the 20th minute of their previous league game, a 1-0 defeat at Celta.
Sunday’s result moved Manuel Pellegrini’s side to fifth place with 16 points from eight games.
Valladolid, which has just won its second victory of the season, is in 13th place.
ESPANYOL AGAIN
Joselu scored twice in the second half but Espanyol were held by 19th-placed Cadiz to draw 2-2, extending their winless streak to four games.
The result left the Barcelona club just outside the relegation zone.
Cadiz are unbeaten in three games after losing their first five.
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