Barcelona ignore noise, cut into Real Madrid lead in LaLiga
VIGO, Spain – Robert Lewandowski scored a hat trick as Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 4–2 on Sunday, cutting Real Madrid’s lead at the top of LaLiga to three points and easing pressure on head coach Hansi Flick.
Barcelona had won only three of their previous seven matches in all competitions, with a 3–3 draw against Club Brugge in midweek heightening scrutiny of Flick’s high defensive line. That same approach was again exposed in the first half at Balaídos, but a more composed second-half display secured a vital win heading into the international break.
Flick, who has faced criticism from pundits and former players over his tactical setup, dismissed the noise surrounding his methods.
“I always think to say something about the experts, former players and coaches, but no, I will not do it,” Flick said with a smile after the match. “We’ll analyse this game like we always do and look to improve. The most important thing is that the players have confidence in what we’re doing, and the second half is a good example of that.”
Barcelona took the lead through a Lewandowski penalty before the Polish striker doubled his tally from close range after a Marcus Rashford cross. Celta responded twice through Sergio Carreira and Borja Iglesias, making it 2–2 before teenager Lamine Yamal restored Barça’s advantage just before halftime.
Lewandowski, starting for the first time in over a month after injury, completed his hat trick in the second half with a well-placed header from another Rashford delivery, sealing Barcelona’s first league win in three games.
“I’m very happy because we won a very difficult game,” Lewandowski said. “We knew if we win today, we would cut the gap to Real Madrid. These are the kinds of matches that give us power for the next ones.”
The 36-year-old has now scored seven goals in just 449 minutes of LaLiga action this season, underlining his continued importance to Flick’s attack. His clinical finishing provided a sharp contrast to Barcelona’s defensive lapses, which the manager acknowledged still need improvement.
“In the first half we made some mistakes and they used them,” Flick admitted. “But we controlled the game with the ball, and in the second half we defended much better. That gives us confidence for the coming matches.”
Barcelona’s evening was slightly marred by a late red card for Frenkie de Jong, who will now miss the next league fixture against Athletic Club due to suspension. Pedri remains a doubt with injury, while Marc Casadó withdrew moments before kickoff after sustaining a knock during warm-up.
Real Madrid’s goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day allowed Barcelona to close the gap at the top, restoring momentum to Flick’s side as they look to stay within striking distance of their rivals.
The win provides a timely boost for Barcelona, who head into the international break with renewed belief in Flick’s system and a reminder of Lewandowski’s enduring quality as they continue their pursuit of the LaLiga title.