Robert Lewandowski rolled back the years with a stunning hat-trick to fire Barcelona to a thrilling 4-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, cutting Real Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga to just three points.
The Polish striker’s clinical performance helped Hansi Flick’s men bounce back from recent struggles and take advantage of Madrid’s earlier goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also got on the scoresheet, while Marcus Rashford continued his fine form by providing two assists, taking his La Liga tally to seven this season. Despite Frenkie de Jong’s late red card for two bookable offences, Barcelona held firm to secure a much-needed victory that reaffirmed their attacking identity under Flick.
Barcelona started brightly, winning a penalty just 10 minutes in when Marcos Alonso handled Fermin Lopez’s shot. Lewandowski made no mistake from the spot, giving Barca an early lead. But the advantage was short-lived—within a minute, Celta Vigo exploited Barcelona’s high defensive line as Sergio Carreira sprinted through to calmly slot past Wojciech Szczesny.
The champions, missing key players including Pedri, Raphinha, and Joan Garcia, responded with renewed energy. Rashford, sent through by Lopez, missed a one-on-one before hitting the post moments later. Lewandowski came close again, denied only by Ionut Radu’s reflex save.
Barcelona’s persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Rashford’s precise cross found Lewandowski, whose low strike crept past Radu to restore the lead. Yet Celta struck back almost immediately—Borja Iglesias unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the box that left Szczesny no chance, making it 2-2 just before halftime.
As the half drew to a close, Barcelona regained control when Rashford’s deflected cross found Yamal, who squeezed the ball past Radu at his near post to give Barca a 3-2 advantage heading into the break.
The second half saw fewer chances as both sides settled into a more structured rhythm. Barcelona controlled possession, forcing Celta to defend deep. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Lewandowski completed his hat-trick, heading home from Rashford’s corner to secure all three points.
It was Lewandowski’s seventh goal of the season—an impressive feat considering his limited starts due to injury—proving that even at 37, his predatory instincts remain intact. Yamal nearly added a fifth late on, striking the post after a dazzling run.
De Jong’s dismissal in stoppage time slightly marred the victory, but it couldn’t overshadow Barcelona’s dominant display. For Flick, the result was a welcome relief after a string of unconvincing performances, including a 3-3 Champions League draw with Club Brugge midweek.
The win also ended Barcelona’s poor away run at Balaidos, where they had managed only two victories in their last 10 visits.
What You Should Know
Barcelona’s 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo moves them within three points of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.
Lewandowski’s hat-trick reaffirmed his importance to the squad, while Marcus Rashford’s creativity continued to shine. The match also marked a turning point for Hansi Flick’s team, restoring confidence and momentum ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures.
