FC Barcelona moved closer to securing the LaLiga title with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but the victory was overshadowed by an apparent injury to Lamine Yamal.
The teenage forward won and converted a first half penalty that proved decisive at the Spotify Camp Nou, but appeared to suffer a hamstring issue in the process and was substituted before halftime.
The result moves Barcelona nine points clear of Real Madrid with six matches remaining, including a decisive Clasico meeting in May.
“We have to keep winning and finish the job as soon as possible,” Pedri told Movistar, adding that he hoped Yamal’s injury would not be serious.
Barcelona, playing their first match since elimination from the Champions League by Atlético Madrid, lacked their usual attacking fluency but did enough to secure all three points.
Goalkeeper Joan García made early saves to deny Pablo Durán and Ferran Jutglà as Celta threatened.
The breakthrough came through Yamal, who combined with Dani Olmo before being fouled by Yoel Lago inside the box. Yamal converted the penalty past Ionuț Radu, although he immediately signalled discomfort and required treatment.
The match was briefly halted due to a medical incident in the stands, and by the time play resumed, Yamal had been replaced by Roony Bardghji.
Barcelona pushed for a second goal after the break, with Ferran Torres seeing an effort ruled out for offside following a pass from Pedri. Former Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso also threatened from a free kick, but the hosts held on.
The win keeps Barcelona firmly in control of the title race, while Celta remain in contention for European qualification despite the defeat.
Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid suffered a 3-2 defeat at Elche CF, extending a poor run of form.
Despite goals from Nicolás González, Atlético were undone by a brace from André Silva and a strike from David Affengruber.
The visitors played an hour with 10 men after Thiago Almada was sent off, with Silva converting the resulting penalty to put Elche ahead.
Although Atlético responded quickly through González, Silva’s late goal secured victory for Elche, lifting them further away from the relegation zone.
“The defeat is painful, and the responsibility is mine,” Atlético coach Diego Simeone said.
Barcelona’s win strengthens their position at the top, but attention will now turn to the fitness of Yamal as the title race enters its final phase.
