Barcelona produced one of their most dramatic performances of the season as they came from 3-1 down to secure a vital 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, moving a step closer to La Liga glory. A hat trick from Celta's Borja Iglesias stunned the home crowd, but late heroics from substitutes Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal and a stoppage-time penalty by Raphinha rescued all three points for the Catalans.
Hansi Flick made several changes to his starting lineup, choosing to rest young star Lamine Yamal and midfielder Dani Olmo for the first time in 2025. Ferran Torres, starting in Yamal's place, opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful low strike after drifting in from the left. However, the lead was short-lived, as Celta struck back just three minutes later through Iglesias, who pounced on a cross from Pablo Duran after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny misjudged a charge off his line.
Despite flashes of attacking promise, including a free kick from Raphinha and a wayward effort by Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona were unable to reassert control. Szczesny made a superb double save before halftime to keep the scores level, but disaster struck after the break. A poor clearance from Frenkie de Jong gifted Iglesias his second of the night, and the striker completed his hat trick moments later by capitalizing on Barcelona's high defensive line and finishing coolly past Szczesny.
With the score at 3-1, Flick brought on Yamal and Olmo in a desperate bid to turn the tide and it worked. First, Raphinha threaded a precise pass through for Olmo, who calmly finished to spark the comeback. Just minutes later, Yamal whipped in a cross from the right, and Raphinha rose to head home the equalizer.
The match reached fever pitch in stoppage time when Olmo was bundled over in the box by Yoel Lago. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded. With Lewandowski already substituted, Raphinha stepped up and smashed the spot-kick into the top-right corner, sealing a thrilling 4-3 win for the league leaders.
Despite their defensive frailties highlighted by mistakes from Szczesny, Inigo Martinez, and De Jong Barcelona’s attacking substitutions made the difference. Raphinha, in particular, was electric, providing an assist, scoring twice, and showing leadership in the crucial final moments.
The result leaves Barcelona top of La Liga, with Real Madrid set to play Athletic Bilbao the following day. With a Clásico still on the horizon in May, the title race remains intense, but this victory could prove decisive. Flick’s decision to rotate initially looked costly, but the late impact of Olmo and Yamal proved inspired as Barcelona demonstrated true resilience and character in their push for the title.
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