Celta Vigo star Beltrán takes full responsibility for Barcelona defeat | OneFootball

Celta Vigo star Fran Beltrán was not at all shy in shouldering the full blame, for his side’s defeat at the hands of Barcelona on Saturday.

Celta marked their return to action late last night, welcoming Xavi’s Barca to Balaídos for a La Liga clash.

Rafael Benitez’s hosts headed into proceedings desperate for a minimum of a point, amid the club’s ongoing battle against the drop.

And, deep into injury time, Celta looked well on their way to precisely that, after Robert Lewandowski’s opener was cancelled out by Iago Aspas.

Just as the clash looked set to peter out into stalemate, however, Barca were afforded a golden opportunity to snatch victory at the death.

This came by way of a spot-kick, awarded for a foul on Lamine Yamal, and expertly converted by brace-hitter Lewandowski.

And one member of Celta Vigo’s squad who was left particularly crestfallen by the evening’s final moments, comes in the form of the aforementioned Fran Beltrán.

Midfielder Beltrán was the man responsible for the late penalty afforded to Barcelona, owing to a reckless challenge on Yamal in the hosts’ penalty area.

Speaking to the media post-match, the 25-year-old, in turn, made use of the opportunity to take full responsibility for his actions:

“I had to come out and speak, because in the last play I made a mistake that cannot be allowed,” Beltrán began, as cited by Relevo. “After seeing it, I think I should have made a header. The team cannot lose these points, especially not because of me. It is a difficult day for me and for the club, but there is no doubt that we are going to continue, me first.”

Conor Laird | GSFN