Celta Vigo were close to getting a famous three points against Barcelona, as they were leading 2-0 as at 76 minutes, before a late Barca surge spoilt their party.

The Celta Vigo boss has admitted that Xavi’s tactical changes turned around the dynamics of the game.

With Barca chasing the game, Xavi decided to sub off Marcos Alonso (a left-back), and brought in young winger Lamine Yamal.

Xavi also brought on Alejandro Balde and Raphinha for Andreas Christensen and Raphinha respectively, and it gave the team more impetus in attack.

Benitez has admitted that the changes were very intelligent.

“The substitutions that Xavi makes were intelligent. He put fast and unbalanced players on the field because the starting plan did not work for him,” Benitez told reporters after losing to Barcelona.

Barcelona have now won their last six games in all competitions. The win against Celta Vigo, coupled with Real Madrid losing to Atletico Madrid, have seen Barca overtake Real at the top of the La Liga standings.