Talking points from Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo

Umtiti’s injury a big worry for Barca

The main talking point from the match has to be the horrible news that Samuel Umtiti will miss eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

It’s no exaggeration that Umtiti has been incredible for Barca this season and he will be hugely missed.

Javier Mascherano is also still out, although hopefully due back in the middle of this month, leaving Thomas Vermaelen and Gerard Pique as the only fit senior centre-backs.

Ernesto Valverde could turn to Barca B’s David Costas but Barca are certainly light in defence at the moment and looked really shaky defensively against Celta.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

More bad luck for Barca

Another week and another decision goes against Barcelona that could have changed the result of the game.

Last week it was Lionel Messi’s “ghost goal” and this week it was Luis Suarez’s goal that was ruled out for offside.

Replays suggested the Uruguayan was onside and who knows, if it had been given, Barca might have gone on to claim all three points.

Ernesto Valverde was asked about the incident after the game and said: “You always want any controversy to go your way, but we hope that the referee doesn't get the next call wrong.”

They say these things even themselves out over a season, let’s hope so.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Celta and Aspas love scoring against Barca

For one of the few times this season, Barca looked really wobbly at the back, but Celta simply seem to have that effect on Barca.

Aspas has scored four in his last four against Barca while Celta as a team possess a great record, as you can see.

While it was a disappointing result, it was a tough game and on this evidence Celta will trouble most sides.

Interestingly, they face Valencia next at Mestalla on Saturday.

Barca playing better but dropping points

There’s no doubt that Barca have looked much better in their last two Liga games against Valencia and Celta, yet those two games have yielded just two points.

Barca really only have themselves to blame for not taking all three points on Saturday after missing a host of chances.

Paulinho ought to have scored with a header, then went even closer after rounding the goalkeeper, while Messi hit the post and also had a header well saved.

There’s also the Suarez goal that was ruled out, but what’s certain is that attacking-wise, Barca are looking far more dangerous.

Some sections of the support have claimed they’d rather see Barca playing better football and losing, than playing “boring” football and winning.

Saturday’s game certainly wasn’t boring, there were chances, great goals, but just like last week, Barca couldn’t quite claim all three points.

With Umtiti set for a spell out, Barca may leak more goals, and if that’s the case they simply have to start taking their chances if they are to maintain top spot.