Barcelona took another step closer to retaining the La Liga title after a narrow 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday. The Catalans were made to work for the three points, which were secured by a first half penalty from Lamine Yamal.
As per Marca, head coach Hansi Flick was pleased with how his side managed to secure the win at the Spotify Camp Nou, although he also recognised that they were far from their best.
“We’re happy, we’ve suffered a lot because Celta play very well. The first half was complicated, it was different from what we expected, but the important thing was the three points. In addition, we have had two injuries. We fought together as a team. We can do better because we have quality.”
Flick: Torres goal should have stood
Flick was frustrated at the decision to disallow Ferran Torres’ strike in the second half, which would have made it a more comfortable evening for Barcelona. The forward volleyed home a Pedri cross, but a VAR check found that he was marginally ahead of the last Celta defender.
“I think Ferran’s goal is a goal, it’s not offside and I’d like to have an explanation. In the end, it’s 1-0 and it’s time to focus on the next game.”
Flick addresses Cancelo, Lamine Yamal injuries
The big takeaway from the match was not the result itself, but rather the injuries to Joao Cancelo and Lamine Yamal. The former took a blow to his thigh, while the latter went down holding his hamstring after scoring the only goal of the match. Flick confirmed that more will be known on the issues when tests are done on Thursday.
“We have to see tomorrow, to see what happens. We will see. We have to accept it. It’s not easy, it’s a shame for us. Just like Joao (Cancelo).”
The disallowed Ferran Torres goal by the VAR was unquestionably a genuine goal. The space or gap between Ferran and the Celta defender was too marginal for the goal to be overruled or adjudged to have been scored via an off-side position.
Indeed, situations ,such as this incident, has caused Barça a great deal of victories and higher goal tally this season.
If it were Real Madrid, for I stance, whether at the Santiago Bernabeu or elsewhere, l can confidently bet that, that goal would have been allowed.
It’s quite a huge shame and embarrassment that the goal was disallowed, when from all angles and indication it was scored from an on-site position by Ferran.
The VAR failed woefully this time around, as it is often the case since its introduction to football matches.
Martinez Munuera was the match official and Del Cerro Grande was VAR. Barca had no chance.
Anyone that watches Barca regularly knows that, when one or both of those two are involved, close calls are going to the opposition every time.
Expect more of the same this weekend vs. Getafe.
VAR is slowly going to kill whatever good is left in this game.