FC Barcelona defeated Celtic, 2-1, on Oct. 23 at the Camp Nou in a Group G Champions League match.
Barça Fights Back After Conceding
For the whole second half, Barça appeared to be headed for a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against an outclassed Celtic side which couldn't possess the ball. Celtic had opened the scoring in the 18th minute on a Georgios Samaras headed goal on a free kick. Barcelona's defensive issues stemming from the many injuries on the backline showed up on the goal. The goal was set up after Barcelona was burned by yet another counterattack when a foul gave the Hoops a free kick in a dangerous area. In truth, Samaras' header deflected past Valdés off the back of makeshift center back Mascherano. Luckily, Celtic's lead did not hold until halftime. Sharp passing by Messi and Xavi around the area cut the Hoops apart and led to a silky finish and a goal by Iniesta right before the break.Alba Saves The Day
Jordi Alba stunned the thousands of Celtic supporters who made the trip to Barcelona when he got his studs to a Adriano cross and scored in the dying embers of injury time. Alba's goal also thrilled Barça fans who had been hoping for some of the late magic that had saved the side from bitter results already this season. And there should be no mistake, a draw against Celtic would have been unforgivable. The Catalans enjoyed 90 percent of the possession and had taken 25 shots, 12 of which were on target, before Alba's goal while Celtic managed four shots for the match.Champions League Update
Barcelona has taken full advantage of their matches and have taken all nine possible points through three Group G matches. Barça will face the Hoops again at Celtic Park in the next group match on Nov. 7. Celtic is second in the group after Tuesday with four points, while Spartak Moscow moved into third after a win over last-place Benfica. After defeating each side once already, Barça can clinch the group with a another win over Celtic and a little help from Benfica. Nothing will be assured about the next meeting as Celtic will undoubtedly be pressing more in November.Patrick Johnston has been an FC Barcelona fan since Samuel Eto'o joined the club and wore the No. 9 shirt.
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Stats from UEFA.com
