Barcelona Stars Shine in Demolition of Celta Vigo, Slashing Real Madrid's Lead with Clinical Attack

Robert Lewandowski's treble propelled Barcelona to a commanding 4–2 victory over Celta Vigo, sending them into the November international window on a positive note.

An electrifying opening 45 minutes featuring five goals challenged Barcelona's determination. Lewandowski's opening brace was matched by Celta Vigo through strikes from Sergio Carreira and Borja Iglesias. Lamine Yamal managed to restore Barça's advantage with the third goal right before halftime.

Hansi Flick's squad demonstrated clear superiority and controlled the second period. Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with under 20 minutes remaining to eliminate any potential late-game anxiety.

This marks only Barça's third triumph at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos over the last ten years, but it was crucial following Real Madrid's earlier point drop. The Catalan club now sits merely three points behind Los Blancos at the summit of La Liga.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs. Celta Vigo (4-3-3)

*Ratings courtesy of FotMob*

GK: Wojciech Szczęsny—6.0: He struggled once more to provide assurance in goal. His reflexes and physical prowess seem diminished this campaign.

RB: Eric García—7.3: García excelled in the right-back position, delivering important defensive contributions and displaying composure with the ball.

CB: Ronald Araújo—7.0: Araújo delivered a solid performance. His intensity enabled Barcelona to win back possession frequently and he was reliable in distribution, misplacing only three of his 74 attempts.

CB: Pau Cubarsí—6.9: The young defender made vital defensive plays to deny clear opportunities. Nevertheless, he remains troubled by the high defensive line, repeatedly keeping opponents onside.

LB: Alejandro Balde—7.4: Similar to Cubarsí, Balde's issues with playing opponents onside persist. Despite this, he contributed positively to Barça's offensive play.

DM: Frenkie de Jong—6.9: De Jong controlled proceedings in the latter half. His technical ability enabled Barcelona to maintain extended spells of possession. However, his avoidable late dismissal may prove problematic.

CM: Dani Olmo—7.8: Olmo delivered one of his finest displays this season operating in Pedri's typical position. He directed Barcelona's offensive play from the center of the field.

AM: Fermín López—7.2: The academy product was unusually sloppy with the ball on several instances. Nonetheless, his intensity and relentless work rate created multiple threatening opportunities.

RW: Lamine Yamal—8.5: Yamal produced an impressive display. While not his most spectacular outing, he demonstrated his class and netted his fourth league strike this term.

LW: Marcus Rashford—9: Despite his glaring miss that directly resulted in a goal, Rashford appeared threatening throughout and contributed two assists.

ST: Robert Lewandowski—9.6: The Polish striker was outstanding in his first start in over a month. He was clinical at his finest and netted his maiden hat-trick this season.

Unused substitutes: Diego Kochen (GK), Eder Aller (GK), Xavi Espart, Dro Fernández, Marc Casadó, Roony Bardghji.

Celta Vigo (3-4-3):

Starting lineup: Ionuț Andrei Radu; Manu Fernández, Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Oscar Mingueza, Hugo Sotelo, Ilaix Moriba, Sergio Carreira; Ferrán Jutglà, Borja Iglesias, Pablo Durán.

Substitutions made: Javi Rodríguez, Bryan Zaragoza, Iago Aspas, Miguel Román, Jones El-Abdellaoui.

Player of the Match: Robert Lewandowski

Celta Vigo 2–4 Barcelona—Match Summary at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos

Barcelona began brightly and their early control was rewarded with the opening goal within 10 minutes. Marcos Alonso handled a Yamal effort inside the box, prompting referee Javier Arbeloa to award a penalty following a swift VAR check.

Lewandowski converted confidently from the spot to register his fifth La Liga strike this season, his first since late September.

Moments later, Marcus Rashford squandered a golden chance to extend Barça's advantage when clean through. The subsequent play saw Celta exploit Barcelona's advanced defensive line. Carreira broke clear and beat Wojciech Szczęsny to level the score in a chaotic opening.

Barcelona gradually reasserted control and intensified pressure on Celta's backline. Eventually, Rashford delivered an excellent cross that Lewandowski volleyed home to complete his double and restore Barça's lead.

Just as Barcelona seemed in command, Iglesias struck a spectacular effort from distance to equalize for Celta on the stroke of halftime.

However, Flick's team refused to enter the interval without an advantage. Rashford escaped his marker and delivered a threatening cross. A deflection left the ball perfectly positioned for Yamal to unleash a powerful left-footed strike that beat Ionuț Andrei Radu, securing Barcelona's lead before the break.

The frantic pace that characterized the opening period took its toll on the home side. Celta's players appeared fatigued in the second half, allowing Barcelona to seize complete control through ball retention.

In the 73rd minute, Barcelona delivered the decisive blow. Rashford's corner found Lewandowski, who placed his header perfectly to seal his treble and establish a two-goal cushion.

Yamal nearly added Barça's fifth late on but struck the woodwork after breaking through alone. Frenkie de Jong received his marching orders moments before the final whistle, slightly tarnishing an otherwise excellent triumph.

Celta Vigo vs. Barcelona Halftime Stats

Celta Vigo vs. Barcelona Full Time Stats