A Gabri Veiga double for Celta Vigo compounded Barcelona to a 2-1 defeat on the last day of the season to continue their worrying run of form over recent weeks.
Barcelona wrapped up their LaLiga campaign with a tough away trip to face Celta Vigo who were still in relegation danger. Despite winning the title two weeks ago, Xavi called for focus and a need to finish the season strong.
However, Celta ran out 2-1 winners with Barcelona looking uninterested and complacent, perhaps a mental issue seeing as the job was already done.
How it happened
Celta knew only a win would guarantee their LaLiga safety and they started strong and aggressive in the opening exchanges.
Barca thought they had taken the lead when Franck Kessié had the ball in the net after just 10 minutes, but an offside call from VAR came to the rescue of the Sky Blues
The home side got the all-important opener just before half-time as a surging run from Seferovic caught the Barca defenders on their heels, and he fed Veiga, who slid the ball into the far corner
With 25 minutes to go, Celta doubled their lead as Veiga’s looping cross found its way directly in off the post to send the home fans wild.
Ousmane Dembele came off the bench to offer some spark and his cross found the head of Ansu Fati to make it 2-1, but the final whistle prompted wild celebrations among the home support as they secured LaLiga football for another season.
Related content
13:49 - 03.06.2023
Barcelona's Lewandowski excited for potential Lionel Messi partnership
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has lent his voice to the calls for Lionel Messi to return to the club this summer, insisting that forging a partnership with the Argentina captain would be easy.
23:16 - 02.06.2023
'My father worked in the fields' — Barcelona's Araujo opens up on humble beginnings in tell-all interview
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has spoken about the sacrifices his parents made while he was growing up in Uruguay
17:51 - 02.06.2023
FOOTBALL Xavi reveals how Lionel Messi will fit into Barcelona's line up
The Barcelona manager has revealed that the Catalans would welcome him back 'with open arms'