Copa del Rey: Barcelona held to draw by Celta Vigo

Jose Arnaiz’s 15th minute goal was cancelled out by Pione Sisto as Celta Viga gave itself a chance in the return leg at the Camp Nou next week.

Jose Arnaiz (centre) is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring.

A second-string Barcelona team shorn of attacking stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez was held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of its last 16 Copa Del Rey tie with Celta Vigo on Thursday.

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Barca coach Ernesto Valverde also left out captain Andres Iniesta and others including goalkeeper Ter Stegen, centre-back Samuel Umtiti and midfielder Ivan Rakitic from the starting line-up.

 

Despite those absences it took the lead after 15 minutes through a neat Jose Arnaiz finish, but after a bright start it ceded control to the host.

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Celta hit back 16 minutes later through Pione Sisto, who reacted quickest after Iago Aspas hit the bar from close range and rifled a shot past Barca keeper Jasper Cillessen from a tight angle to give his side a chance in the return leg at the Camp Nou next Thursday.