Nearly seven years after their last trip to Balaiados, Barça will again be in Vigo this weekend. The last game between the two in Galicia was on August 28th 2006 and with Frank Rijkaard in charge, Barça won 2-3 thanks to a late Eidur Gudjohnsen strike.
Celta were relegated at the end of the season - with 39 points, one off the safety and their keeper for the game against Barça was José Manuel Pinto, who with Valdes suspended will probably be starting Saturday’s game in goal for Barça.
Five years in second tier
It’s Barça’s first visit to Balaido s since then, as Celta had to spend five years down in the second division after their relegation and this season is their first back in the big time after winning promotion alongside Deportivo and Valladolid last year.
In the game held at the Camp Nou between the two earlier this season, Barça won 3-1 with goals from Adriano Correia, David Villa and Jordi Alba, with Mario Bermejo scoring for the visitors.
