Mansion Sports – Robert Lewandowski delivered a masterclass performance to lead Barcelona to a 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo in the 2025/2026 La Liga season. 

The matchday 11 fixture at Estadio de Balaídos showcased high-paced football and relentless attacking play from both sides.

Despite collecting three crucial points, Barcelona finished the match with 10 men following Frenkie de Jong’s red card late in the game. 

Celta Vigo’s goals came from Sergio Carreira and Borja Iglesias, leaving the Galician club in 13th place in the La Liga standings with 13 points from 12 matches. 

Barcelona’s goals came from Lewandowski—who scored a hattrick—and young talent Lamine Yamal. With this result, the Blaugrana climbed back to second place with 28 points from 12 games.

First Half: Fast-Paced Action and Trading Goals

Barcelona took the initiative from the opening whistle, pressing high and dictating play at Balaídos. 

However, Celta Vigo responded by exploiting the high defensive line deployed by the visitors, attempting quick transitions through long passes and through balls. Borja Iglesias was flagged offside early, signaling their intent to strike on the counterattack.

The hosts’ resistance was broken in the eighth minute. After a VAR review, referee Javier Alberola awarded Barcelona a penalty for a handball by Marcos Alonso inside the box. 

Robert Lewandowski confidently stepped up and converted with a calm finish into the bottom right corner, sending goalkeeper Radu the wrong way to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead.

But Celta hit back almost immediately. Just one minute later, Sergio Carreira equalized after latching onto a precise pass from Iglesias. 

The full-back carried the ball into the area and slotted calmly past Szczesny, restoring parity at 1-1 and reigniting the intensity of the game.

Barcelona came close to retaking the lead in the 25th minute when a move involving Yamal and Lopez ended with Marcus Rashford’s powerful strike hitting the post. Lewandowski’s rebound attempt was brilliantly denied by Radu. 

The Catalan side continued to dominate possession and pile on pressure, while Celta threatened intermittently on the counter.

Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute. Rashford sent in a low cross from the left that Lewandowski flicked between Radu’s legs, putting Barcelona ahead 2-1. 

However, Celta responded once again just six minutes later when Borja Iglesias unleashed a fierce long-range strike to make it 2-2.

As the first half seemed destined to end level, Lamine Yamal stepped up with a decisive moment. 

In stoppage time (45+4’), the teenage forward capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired home, sending Barcelona into halftime with a 3-2 advantage.

Second Half: Lewandowski’s Hattrick Seals the Victory

Celta began the second half with renewed determination, pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer. 

Their pressing caused Barcelona some discomfort in possession, but Yamal’s skillful dribbling helped relieve pressure, even after being surrounded by three defenders and brought down by Carreira.

Unlike the high-paced first half, the early stages of the second half were more measured, with both teams opting for caution. 

Barcelona focused on maintaining their advantage, while Celta sought opportunities to break through the visitors’ defensive organization. 

The battle in midfield, particularly between Moriba and De Jong, intensified the physicality and reduced space for creativity.

The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute. Barcelona earned a corner, which Rashford delivered toward the near post. 

Lewandowski reacted first with a clever flick that redirected the ball into the bottom corner, securing his hattrick and giving Barcelona a 4-2 lead. 

It was a moment of precision and instinct from the Polish striker, underscoring his world-class finishing ability.

Celta attempted to mount a late comeback, but Barcelona continued to look dangerous on the break. In the 88th minute, Yamal nearly scored again after being played through by Lopez, only for his shot to strike the post.

Drama unfolded in stoppage time as Frenkie de Jong received a second yellow card for a foul on Iago Aspas, reducing Barcelona to 10 men. 

Nevertheless, the visitors held firm until the final whistle, securing a 4-2 win in a thrilling encounter that highlighted Lewandowski’s clinical brilliance and Barcelona’s attacking prowess.

Match Statistics: Celta Vigo vs Barcelona