FC Barcelona returned to winning ways in LaLiga with an impressive 2-4 victory over Celta de Vigo in Balaídos. The result gives Hansi Flick’s team its ninth league win of the season and cuts the gap with Real Madrid to just three points.
It was a night of attacking brilliance led by Robert Lewandowski, who scored a hat-trick, and Lamine Yamal, who added another goal to continue his outstanding run. Marcus Rashford was also decisive, providing two assists in one of his best performances in a Barça shirt.
A Bold Starting XI and a Fast Start
Hansi Flick chose Pau Cubarsí to pair with Ronald Araujo in central defense, while Eric García replaced the injured Jules Koundé on the right side. Lewandowski returned to the starting lineup in place of Ferran Torres.
The plan worked perfectly. Barcelona’s front line, formed by Rashford, Lewandowski, and Yamal, dismantled Celta’s five-man defense with speed and precision. The first goal came early, in the tenth minute, after VAR confirmed a handball from Marcos Alonso. Lewandowski converted the penalty with power and calm.
But Barça’s lead lasted barely a minute. Sergio Carreira made it 1-1 with a quick counterattack, breaking the offside trap and finishing past Szczesny. The equalizer came right after Rashford had missed a clear chance to extend the lead.
In the 37th minute, the Englishman redeemed himself. His perfect cross from the left found Lewandowski, who beat the defenders and scored with a sharp first-time finish. However, Celta hit back once more just before halftime through Borja Iglesias, assisted by former Barça forward Ferran Jutglà.
When it seemed like the first half would end level, Lamine Yamal restored the lead. The 17-year-old took advantage of a poor clearance from Ilaix Moriba and smashed a left-footed shot inside the near post, making it 2-3 before the break.
Control and Precision in the Second Half
After a frantic first half, the second period began with a calmer tempo. Celta made changes to strengthen their defense, but Barcelona managed the match with more composure. Flick’s team kept possession patiently and waited for the right moments to strike again.
In the 74th minute, Lewandowski completed his hat-trick. Rashford earned a corner on the left and sent in a pinpoint delivery. The Polish striker anticipated everyone at the near post and flicked the ball past Radu to seal his seventh goal of the season and his first hat-trick of the 25/26 campaign.
It was a historic performance. No Barça player had scored three goals in Balaídos since César Rodríguez more than eighty years ago.
A Late Flurry and a Valuable Three Points
Celta attempted to respond with several substitutions, including Iago Aspas, but Barça’s backline stood firm. Flick only made changes late in the game, introducing Christensen, Gerard Martín, and Ferran Torres to refresh the team.
In the closing minutes, Lamine Yamal hit the post with a powerful effort, and the match ended with some tension. Rashford, Lewandowski, and Celta’s Román all received yellow cards, while Frenkie de Jong was sent off in stoppage time for a second booking.
Despite the red card, Barcelona closed the night with a well-deserved victory. Flick’s men produced one of their most complete attacking displays of the season and ended a streak of two away games without winning.
Lewandowski Rediscovers His Scoring Touch
Robert Lewandowski had gone forty-two days without scoring in LaLiga, but his return to form could not have come at a better time. With his three goals against Celta, the Polish forward reached seventy-six goals in one hundred and twelve league matches and now has one hundred and eight in one hundred and fifty-nine games for Barcelona.
Against the Galicians, Lewandowski has now scored eight goals in seven league meetings. Only Valencia has suffered more from his finishing in Spain.
Lamine Yamal’s Hot Streak Continues
Lamine Yamal also extended his best scoring streak of the season. The teenager has now scored in three consecutive matches, following his goals against Elche in Montjuïc and Club Brugge in the Champions League. In total, he has six goals and six assists in eleven appearances this season, showing that he is becoming one of the key figures in Flick’s project.
Barça Three Points Behind Real Madrid
The win at Balaídos, combined with Real Madrid’s goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano, allows Barcelona to move within three points of the top. The Catalans now sit second in LaLiga with twenty-eight points, while Madrid leads with thirty-one. Villarreal and Atlético de Madrid follow closely with twenty-six and twenty-five points.
Flick’s team will now look to carry this momentum into the next fixture after the November break, when they host Athletic Club, still awaiting confirmation of whether the match will be played at the Spotify Camp Nou or at Montjuïc.
Barcelona’s visit to Vigo was not perfect defensively, but it was a night to remember for their attack. With Lewandowski back in scoring form and Yamal in unstoppable rhythm, the title race is alive once again.
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