This Sunday, forward Robert Lewandowski delivered an exceptional performance for FC Barcelona, scoring a hat-trick that secured a commanding 4-2 victory against Celta Vigo at the Estadio de Balaídos. The local team opened the scoring with an early goal by Sergio Carreira in the 11th minute, followed by Borja Iglesias finding the net just before half-time (42’).
However, it was Lewandowski who shone the brightest, netting three goals for the visitors: a penalty at the 9th minute and two additional strikes at 37’ in the first half and 27’ in the second half. Alongside him, Lamine Yamal contributed with a strike of his own just after the interval in the 48th minute.
Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford almost altered the match’s outcome when he hit the post twice, missing key scoring opportunities that could have changed the game’s dynamics.
Lewandowski was undeniably the standout player, registering three goals from six attempts on target and successfully completing 11 passes. Lamine Yamal also played a crucial role, with one goal, 50 successful passes, two interceptions, and four attempts on goal.
Celta’s coach, Claudio Giráldez, lined up his team in a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Ionut Radu in goal; Manu Fernandez, Carl Starfelt, and Marcos Alonso in defense; Óscar Mingueza, Hugo Sotelo, Ilaix Moriba, and Sergio Carreira in midfield; and Ferrán Jutglà, Borja Iglesias, and Pablo Duran in attack.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Hans Flick opted for a 4-5-1 strategy, positioning Wojciech Szczesny in goal; Eric García, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde in defense; a midfield comprising Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Marcus Rashford; and Lewandowski leading the attack.
Referee Javier Alberola Rojas officiated the match, which had significant implications for both teams: Celta remains with 13 points, positioned 13th in the league, while Barcelona climbs to 28 points and secures the second spot.
In their next fixtures, Celta will face Alavés away, while Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao.
Substitutions for Celta
45’ 2T – Óscar Mingueza substituted by Javier Rodríguez
57’ 2T – Ferrán Jutglà substituted by Bryan Zaragoza
69’ 2T – Borja Iglesias substituted by Iago Aspas
77’ 2T – Manu Fernandez substituted by Jones El-Abdellaoui and Miguel Román substituted.
Cautions for Celta:
43’ 2T – Miguel Román (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Barcelona
85’ 2T – Dani Olmo substituted by Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde substituted by Gerard Martín
87’ 2T – Marcus Rashford substituted by Ferran Torres
96’ 2T – Lamine Yamal substituted by Marc Bernal.
Cautions for Barcelona:
41’ 1T – Pau Cubarsi (Unsporting behavior), 33’ 2T – Frenkie de Jong (Unsporting behavior), 42’ 2T – Marcus Rashford (Unsporting behavior), 43’ 2T – Robert Lewandowski (Unsporting behavior)
Expulsion for Barcelona:
48’ 2T – Frenkie de Jong (Red card for double yellow).