“We Could Have Won Them… But He’s Not Human” – Celta Vigo Coach Claudio Giráldez Stunned by One Barcelona Star Who Denied Them a Famous Victory
After an emotionally charged and thrilling La Liga encounter between Celta Vigo and Barcelona, Celta Vigo manager Claudio Giráldez couldn’t hold back his admiration — and frustration — as he heaped praise on one Barcelona star who he claimed “showed us what we’ve not seen in football history.” In a game where his side pushed Barcelona to the edge, Giráldez was left rueing what could have been, had it not been for the superhuman display of this one player.
“We could have won them, but they have the best player in the football world,” Giráldez said in his post-match interview, his voice tinged with both disbelief and reluctant admiration. “This guy showed us something different. I wish I had him in my team — I could have been topping the league by now.”
Though Celta Vigo went toe-to-toe with the Catalan giants in one of their most spirited performances this season, their efforts were ultimately undone by a relentless display from Barcelona’s midfield dynamo — none other than Pedri González. The young Spanish maestro put on a performance that reminded everyone why he’s considered the future of both Barcelona and Spanish football.
While the match ended in a narrow 2-1 win for Barcelona, Pedri’s fingerprints were all over the result. He controlled the tempo, dictated the transitions, and delivered two sublime assists that turned the tide in Barcelona’s favor. But it wasn’t just his technical ability that dazzled — it was his intelligence, his composure under pressure, and his uncanny knack for always being two steps ahead of everyone on the pitch.
Giráldez admitted that his tactical plans had accounted for most of Barcelona’s threats — the explosive pace of Lamine Yamal, the clinical finishing of Robert Lewandowski, and the defensive wall built around Ronald Araújo — but Pedri’s performance simply couldn’t be contained.
“We were disciplined, aggressive, and hungry,” the Celta coach continued. “But there are moments when you just have to stand there and applaud. Pedri didn’t just play football tonight — he orchestrated it. Every time we thought we had them cornered, he would slip away, thread an impossible pass, or calm the play with a touch that speaks of footballing genius.”
Fans at Estadio de Balaídos gave a rare standing ovation when Pedri was substituted late in the match — not because they were happy to see him leave the pitch, but because they recognized the masterclass they had just witnessed. Social media exploded with reactions, with even rival fans admitting Pedri’s display was “pure artistry.”
This performance has only intensified discussions about Pedri’s role in Xavi’s system. With Barcelona trying to reclaim the La Liga crown, his maturity and impact at just 21 years old have become irreplaceable. Meanwhile, for Celta Vigo, the heartbreak continues — but Giráldez’s words suggest that it wasn’t defeat that pained him most, but the feeling of what might have been if Pedri wore his shade of blue.
As Giráldez jokingly concluded, “Next time, maybe we’ll try to sign him before kickoff.”
Barcelona march on, powered by a player who doesn’t just play the game — he defines it.