Madrid: Luis Suarez’s Barcelona home debut ended in a shock defeat as Joaquin Larrivey’s solitary strike handed Celta Vigo a famous 1-0 win at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Real Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s slip up to move top of the table as they continued their free-scoring form with a 4-0 thrashing of Granada earlier on Saturday and champions Atletico Madrid are up to second as they eased past Cordoba 4-2 at home.
Just as in his debut defeat against Real at the Bernabeu last weekend, Suarez was left frustrated as Barca hit the woodwork four times and were denied on several more occasions by fine saves from Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez.
Neymar smashed an early dipping shot off the crossbar, but Celta were enjoying plenty of the ball and could easily have gone in front if they hadn’t been so wasteful with the final ball.
Barca began to get going midway through the first-half and only a stunning save from Alvarez prevented Lionel Messi equalling the record as La Liga’s all-time leading scorer as his first time hit from Neymar’s cut-back was turned behind.
Even when Messi did beat the Celta keeper moments later he was denied as Jonny made an incredible sliding clearance with a touch of fortune as the ball ricocheted to safety off his own crossbar.
Barca boss Luis Enrique introduced Xavi and Pedro in an attempt to turn the game around and from the latter’s cross Suarez had a golden opportunity to open his account for the club when he headed straight into the arms of Alvarez.
Celta had a glorious chance to seal the three points when Charles headed over an unguarded goal after Bravo had brilliantly saved from Nolito’s volley.
And they needed one last miracle from Alvarez to seal the three points as he turned behind a fierce effort from Suarez five minutes from time. (AFP)