Barcelona threw away a three-goal lead against Celta Vigo in interim manager Sergi Barjuan’s final match in charge.
Goals from Ansu Fati, Sergio Busquets and Memphis Depay had put the visitors in complete control at half-time. But Iago Aspas scored twice – including a 96th-minute equaliser – as Celta Vigo produced a sensational comeback.
Nolito had made it 3-2 with 16 minutes remaining and Aspas’ second means it is now four games without victory for Barcelona in La Liga. It was confirmed earlier on Saturday that Barcelona legend Xavi has returned to the club as manager and he will officially take charge from Monday.
He will take over a Barcelona side ninth in the table following this draw – and at least eight points adrift of top-spot.
After Fati – replaced at half-time due to injury – slotted into the bottom corner with five minutes played, Busquets’ fine finish from the edge of the box and Depay’s header at the end of a sweeping team move appeared to have virtually sealed victory.
Meanwhile, Xavi Hernández announced he was “coming home” as he would be official unveiled at a public event at the Nou Camp on Monday.
Xavi played 767 games for Barca, second only to Lionel Messi on the club’s all-time list, and won 25 titles during 17 years as a first-team player.
“It wasn’t goodbye, it was ‘see you soon’. The Camp Nou has always been my home,” the World Cup and European Championship winner told fans in a video.Europe
