Barcelona 2 - Celta Vigo 1

Barcelona: Reina; Gabri (Alfonso 46'), Reiziger, Frank De Boer, Sergi; Guardiola (Xavi 46'), Cocu; Zenden, Gerard (Petit 88'), Overmars; Kluivert. 4-2-3-1.
Celta: Pinto; Yago, Cáceres, Berizzo, Juanfran (Coira 46'); Vagner, Jayo; Karpin, Mostovoi, Gustavo López (Giovanella 73'); McCarthy (Edu 60'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
1-0. 13. Kluivert. Got ahead of defence to poke Zenden's cross past Pinto.
2-0. 54. Kluivert. Headed wide of keeper after weighted pass by Zenden from right.
2-1. 69. Coira. Shot wide of Reina after Edu cross from right wing.

A late goal by Celta substitute Coira left the tie evenly poised after Barcelona failed to take advantage of their chances earlier on. Two strikes by Patrick Kluivert, both coming from crosses by Zenden, had given the Catalans what looked like a comfortable lead, especially as Celta's Vagner had been sent off by English referee Graham Barber in the twentieth minute for a second bookable offence. With an extra man, Barcelona had been looking to settle the match, with Overmars and Zenden, given a rare start with Luis Enrique injured and Rivaldo on international duty, creating havoc down the wings.

Serra Ferrer brought on Xavi and Alfonso at half time for the injured Guardiola and Gabri, switching to his early season 3-2-3-2 formation. Kluivert's seventh goal in five games against Celta seemed to have settled it, but Celta were always dangerous on the counter-attack, with Gustavo López going close in the first half. Víctor Fernández brought on fresh legs in the second half, with Coira replacing the injured Juanfran and Edu substituting a disappointing McCarthy, given a chance thanks to Catanha's one match ban, and it was the two substitutes who combined to give Celta the vital away goal.

The visitors could have levelled the scores a few minutes later when Edu got free, Cocu bringing the young Brazilian down just outside the penalty area with a tackle from behind that would normally not have been allowed in a game of rugby. However the referee waved play on, much to the anger of Víctor Fernández who remonstrated from the touchline until calmed down by the fourth official. Overmars almost extended the lead in the last few minutes with a shot against the post, and Petit came on to add a bit of drive for the last couple of minutes, much to the delight of the foreign supporters in the ground. It all moves over to Vigo next Thursday, with a fascinating game in prospect. Both team's seasons depend on it.