Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Robert Lewandowski stole the show at Balaídos as Barcelona fought through a chaotic, goal-filled contest to beat Celta Vigo 4-2 and cut the gap to Real Madrid to three points, a result that will lift spirits going into the international break. 

Barcelona started and finished the game in the places that matter most, with Lewandowski converting a first-half penalty, finishing a Marcus Rashford cross to restore the lead, and then heading in a late third to seal the victory. Lamine Yamal also found the net in a lively first half, while Rashford’s direct play and two assists underlined his influence on the wing. Celta responded twice through Borja Iglesias and Sergio Carreira but ultimately could not match Barça’s finishing. 

Tactically the match was a tale of two halves. The first 45 minutes produced most of the drama and goals, with both teams taking advantage of space and mistakes. Barcelona’s pressing and collective intensity helped them wrest control after the interval, allowing them to manage possession and create the chances that Lewandowski finished clinically. Hansi Flick will take comfort from the defensive improvements and the team’s ability to respond after being pegged back. 

The win arrives at a crucial moment in the title race. Real Madrid dropped two points earlier in the day, and Barca’s victory means they head into the break with renewed momentum and renewed belief that the gap at the top can be closed as the season progresses. Squad rotation and injuries will be a concern though: Frenkie de Jong’s late red card complicates matters for the next fixture, and the manager will have to balance form, fitness and the fixture list after the international window. 

Individual performances were the headlines. Lewandowski, at 37, produced a reminder of his enduring quality with intelligent movement, hold-up play and ruthless finishing. Rashford provided the creative spark on the flank, while young Lamine Yamal continued to demonstrate why he is a growing attacking threat for club and country. On the other side, Celta showed fight and took chances when they came, but defensive lapses at key moments cost them dearly. 

Barcelona leave Balaídos with three vital points, a boost in morale and a clearer path back into title contention, but questions remain about discipline and squad depth. The international break offers time to regroup, recover injured players and refine a system that, on its night, can still produce the high-quality attacking football this squad expects of itself.