Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2, cutting Real Madrid’s La Liga lead to just three points.
Robert Lewandowski rolled back the years with a brilliant hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 4-2 at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos.
The Polish striker’s performance ensured the Catalans capitalized on Real Madrid’s earlier draw with Rayo Vallecano, moving them within three points of the league leaders.
It was an open, frantic contest that showcased Barcelona’s attacking power but also exposed defensive frailties that nearly cost them control.
Barcelona took the lead inside ten minutes when Fermin López’s shot struck Marcos Alonso’s hand, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Lewandowski sent Ionut Radu the wrong way, converting calmly for his first goal since September.
But Celta Vigo equalized just 22 seconds later, catching Barcelona’s high line off guard as Sergio Carreira raced clear to slot past Wojciech Szczesny.
Marcus Rashford, who was heavily involved throughout, redeemed himself for an earlier miss in the 37th minute. His in-swinging cross from the right found Lewandowski, who finished clinically to restore Barcelona’s advantage.
However, the hosts struck back again six minutes later when Borja Iglesias curled a superb strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
That made it 2-2 in a pulsating first half that had already produced four goals but wasn’t done yet.
As the first-half entered stoppage time, Rashford once again made the difference. His low cross took a deflection off Ilaix Moriba and fell to Lamine Yamal, who reacted quickly to smash home from close range.
The 17-year-old’s goal gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead heading into the break and restored momentum in their favor.
After the interval, Frenkie de Jong began to dictate play from midfield, helping Barcelona control possession.
Lewandowski completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute, meeting Rashford’s in swinging corner at the near post and glancing a header beyond Radu.
It was the 37-year-old’s first treble for Barcelona in over a year and his third in La Liga overall.
The visitors finished with ten men after De Jong received a second yellow card in stoppage time, but the result was never in doubt.
Lewandowski’s composure and movement were exceptional, taking his season tally to seven goals in all competitions.
Rashford was equally influential, registering two assists and playing a part in Yamal’s strike, as he continues to make impact since joining on loan.
For Celta, Borja Iglesias impressed with his work rate, grabbing a goal and an assist, while Carreira’s goal reflected their counter-attacking strength.
Barcelona dominated possession with 61 percent and registered 21 shots to Celta’s five. Their attacking efficiency ultimately proved decisive.
Barcelona host Athletic Club next on November 22nd in a fixture they will expect to win to keep pressure on Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s side will then play Chelsea in UEFA Champions League on November 25th.
Celta Vigo, sitting 13th in the table, travel to Deportivo Alaves to get back to winning ways. Claudio Giraldez’s side will then travel to Bulgaria to play Ludogorets in UEFA Europa League on November 27th.
