Robert Lewandowski‘s penalty seven minutes into added time earned Barcelona a fortunate 2-1 win at Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Saturday.
The Poland international gave Barca the lead with a shot from the edge of the box just before halftime but Iago Aspas levelled in the 47th minute with a deflected strike past keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
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Celta took control and were pushing for victory before defender Fran Beltran fouled Lamine Yamal in the 93rd minute and Lewandowski converted at the second attempt.
Vicente Guaita saved his first effort, but the VAR check showed the keeper was in front of the goal line before the ball left the spot and Lewandowski tucked away his second effort.
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“I didn’t know what happened with the first penalty, but after I saw the keeper moved too quickly … With the second penalty I have scored and that’s what matters,” Lewandowski said after the game.
Xavi Hernandez’s side are third in the standings on 54 points, two behind Girona and seven adrift of leaders Real Madrid, both of whom have a game in hand.
Xavi told reporters after the game the results since he announced he would step away from the role at the end of the season are proof it was a good idea.
“The players gave everything to get the three points which arrived in agonising but welcome manner. The attitude, commitment and implication was good,” he said.
“Since my decision we have won 10 out of 12 points, I think my decision has been for good.”
