Agence France-Presse
Updated: April 20, 2025 | 12:00 AM IST
Read Time: 3 min
LaLiga leaders Barcelona pulled off a remarkable comeback from two goals down to edge past Celta Vigo 4-3 on Saturday, moving seven points ahead of Real Madrid in the title race. Trailing 3-1 with less than 30 minutes to go, the Catalans mounted a thrilling rally inspired by Dani Olmo and Raphinha, who scored twice—including a decisive 98th-minute penalty.
Real Madrid, currently second, will play Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, with a potentially title-defining El Clasico still ahead in May.
Flick Praises Mentality, Lewandowski Injury a Concern
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised the team’s fighting spirit:
“This mentality of not giving up is great to see… We gave everything to get the three points—and we did.”
However, Flick confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will undergo tests after being substituted with a suspected hamstring injury, putting his availability for next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in doubt.
“From experience, we’ll wait for the tests tomorrow,” said Flick, not wanting to make early assumptions about the club’s top scorer.
Flick, who has criticized the team’s congested schedule, rested teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the first time in 2025, although the 17-year-old was called upon from the bench after Iglesias completed his hat-trick.
A Game of Twists: From Setback to Sensation
Barcelona opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres—starting in place of Yamal—drilled a low strike past Vicente Guaita. But the lead lasted just three minutes as Celta Vigo hit back immediately.
Pablo Duran exploited Barcelona’s high defensive line, delivering a cross that Borja Iglesias finished into an open net, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny unable to intervene.
Celta, currently seventh in La Liga and pushing for European qualification, continued to apply pressure. Early in the second half, a sloppy giveaway from Frenkie de Jong led to Iglesias finding space to slot in his second.
Minutes later, Sergio Carreira played Iglesias through again, and the striker calmly beat Szczesny to complete his hat-trick, making it 3-1 and silencing the home crowd.
Comeback Kings: Barcelona Respond Late
Barcelona, however, came alive in the final 30 minutes. Substitutes Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal sparked a turnaround. Raphinha set up Olmo, who beat Guaita to make it 3-2 and reignite hopes.
Moments later, Yamal floated a cross into the box, which Raphinha met with a powerful header to level the score at 3-3.
Celta had a golden chance to regain the lead in the 90th minute, but Oscar Mingueza, a former Barcelona defender, headed wide from close range.
In stoppage time, after a VAR review, Barcelona were awarded a penalty when Yoel Lago fouled Olmo inside the box. With Lewandowski already subbed off, Raphinha stepped up and blasted the spot-kick into the top-right corner, sealing a dramatic and vital win for the league leaders.
“This is football,” said Olmo post-match to DAZN. “We weren’t at our best earlier, but the team and fans pushed us. We deserved it.”
“These three points bring us closer to our goal—we must keep going.”
Celta Vigo, despite their strong performance, walked away empty-handed.
“It’s bittersweet,” admitted Pablo Duran. “Scoring three here is rare, but leaving with nothing feels bad