Robert Lewandowski scored a brilliant hat-trick to guide Barcelona to a 4-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, closing the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to just three points. The Polish striker’s treble, combined with a goal from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, ensured the champions took full advantage of Madrid’s earlier 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano.
Lewandowski, who has battled injuries this season, looked sharp and clinical throughout. His first goal came from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after a Celta handball, but the hosts immediately equalised through Sergio Carreira. Marcus Rashford, pulling the strings in attack, missed a clear chance soon after before setting up Lewandowski’s second with a precise cross in the 37th minute.
Celta responded again with a thunderous strike from Borja Iglesias to make it 2-2, only for Rashford’s deflected cross to fall kindly to Lamine Yamal, who restored Barcelona’s lead before halftime. The 17-year-old’s finish from a tight angle underlined his growing confidence in the top flight.
How Did Lewandowski’s Hat-Trick Change Barcelona’s Momentum?
The second half saw a more composed Barcelona side. With the game under control, Lewandowski completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute, heading in Rashford’s corner to seal the win. It was his seventh La Liga goal of the season in just four starts, a reminder that at 37, his finishing instincts remain world-class.
After the match, manager Hansi Flick praised his striker’s resilience and leadership. “After the injury I can see a different Robert Lewandowski, he’s positive, he came back very early,” said Flick. “For him, for his confidence, it’s great to score three goals today.”
Lewandowski echoed the sentiment, describing the match as “one of the craziest” of the season. “Vigo is always difficult for us but now we have less points (between us) and Real Madrid,” he told Movistar.
Flick also reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona’s bold attacking style despite recent challenges. The manager, missing several key players, urged his squad to maintain intensity after their 3-3 Champions League draw against Club Brugge.
Why was Real Madrid Held at Rayo Vallecano?
Earlier in the day, Real Madrid dropped valuable points after being held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano. Despite dominating possession, Madrid failed to break through a disciplined Rayo defense that kept Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham unusually quiet.
Coach Xabi Alonso called for perspective after the setback, saying, “I want to keep growing, improving, with positive and constructive self-criticism. This is Real Madrid, we all know where we are and what we want.”
With Barcelona now just three points behind, Lewandowski’s explosive return could prove pivotal as Flick’s side rebuilds momentum in the title race.
By Yockshard Enyendi