Lewandowski hat-trick inspires Barcelona to 4-2 win over Celta Vigo as Real Madrid held by Rayo

Robert Lewandowski struck a superb hat-trick to lead Barcelona to a 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday, cutting Real Madrid’s La Liga lead to three points.

The veteran Polish striker’s treble powered Hansi Flick’s team to a much-needed win after Madrid were held to a goalless draw earlier in the day by Rayo Vallecano. Teenager Lamine Yamal also found the net for the champions, while Marcus Rashford provided two assists in a thrilling encounter in Vigo.

Despite Frenkie de Jong’s late dismissal for two yellow cards, Barcelona had already secured the three points to move up to second place.

Flick praised Lewandowski’s display after a stop-start start to the season due to injury. “After the injury I can see a different Robert Lewandowski—he’s positive, he came back very early,” said the Barca coach. “For his confidence, it’s great to score three goals today.”

Lewandowski called the match “one of the craziest” of the season but was delighted with the result. “Vigo is always difficult for us but now we’re closer to Real Madrid,” he told Movistar.

Barcelona started strongly, taking the lead after 10 minutes when Lewandowski converted a penalty for handball. However, Celta hit back immediately through Sergio Carreira, who punished Barca’s high defensive line.

Rashford missed a clear chance before setting up Lewandowski’s second on 37 minutes with a pinpoint cross. Celta responded again through Borja Iglesias, who fired home from the edge of the area, but Rashford’s deflected delivery moments later found Yamal, who restored Barca’s advantage before halftime.

The second half was more controlled, with Barcelona dominating possession. Lewandowski completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute, heading home from Rashford’s corner to seal the win — his seventh league goal in just four starts this season.

“We have two weeks to disconnect now but when we come back, I hope we play a lot better,” Lewandowski said. “Flick asked if I needed a rest and I said no—I felt very good physically today and I’m very happy.”

Real Madrid frustrated by Rayo

Earlier on Sunday, Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano, allowing Barcelona to close the gap at the top.

Rayo produced a disciplined defensive display, keeping Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham largely quiet. Madrid created the better chances, but Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla made key saves to deny Vinicius and Bellingham.

“We want to keep growing and improving with constructive self-criticism,” said Madrid coach Xabi Alonso after the match. “There’s a long way to go and we must remain demanding but balanced.”

Rayo’s Andrei Ratiu and Alvaro Garcia both went close for the hosts, while the draw marked only the second time Madrid have dropped points in the league this season.