Barcelona Pressure Real Madrid With Dominant Win Over Celta Vigo

Barcelona pressure Real Madrid after a commanding 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo, closing the gap at the top of La Liga and showcasing their attacking prowess, but manager Hansi Flick also faces the challenge of replacing the suspended Frenkie de Jong in the crucial fixtures ahead.

Barcelona Pressure Real Madrid With Convincing Display

Barcelona pressure Real Madrid in the La Liga title race following a thrilling 4-2 win against Celta Vigo at Balaídos. The result narrows the gap between the Catalan giants and the league leaders to just three points, as Hansi Flick’s side demonstrated clinical finishing and tactical control. The star of the night was Robert Lewandowski, whose remarkable hat-trick powered Barça to victory and signaled a return to top form for the veteran striker.

Lethal Lewandowski Propels Barcelona

Lewandowski was unstoppable, netting three goals and raising his La Liga tally to seven for the season. His attacking instincts and sharp movement proved too much for the Celta defense. Young midfielder Pedri also found the scoresheet, adding to Barcelona’s offensive fireworks. Despite conceding goals from Iago Aspas and Jorgen Strand Larsen, Barcelona’s efficiency was clear: eight shots on target from 20 attempts, 63% possession, and a pass accuracy rate of 95%.

Flick’s 50th La Liga Game: Statement of Intent

Celebrating his 50th La Liga match as Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick emphasized his happiness with the win and the psychological advantage gained by putting pressure on Real Madrid. “We made more mistakes in the first half, but in the second half we controlled the game,” Flick said. “It’s important to put pressure on the team above us, and this win gives us confidence heading into the break.”

Frenkie de Jong Suspension a Setback

While Barcelona pressure Real Madrid in the standings, the team faces a significant setback as Frenkie de Jong will miss the upcoming clash against Athletic Club due to suspension. The Dutch maestro saw red after two yellow cards, with his absence coming at a crucial time. Flick expressed his frustration: “De Jong controls the game and is very important for us. It’s not good that he’ll miss the next game, but we have to manage and adapt.”

Impact of De Jong’s Absence

De Jong has been vital to Barça’s midfield dominance, dictating the tempo and contributing to the team’s impressive passing stats. Without him, Barcelona’s depth will be tested, especially with other key players like Pedri and Raphinha still working to regain full fitness. Flick remains hopeful for their return after the international break, knowing that maintaining pressure on Madrid will require his strongest squad available.

Barcelona Pressure Real Madrid: Title Race Intensifies

The victory places Barcelona on 28 points, only three behind Real Madrid’s 31 after 12 matches each. As Flick noted, “Winning before the international break is very good. The second half gives us confidence. We applied pressure well today.” With the title race heating up, every point and performance becomes crucial.

Dressing Room Optimism and the Road Ahead

Morale in the Barcelona camp is high after the win. Flick highlighted the satisfaction within the squad: “Everyone is satisfied and proud of the second half performance. We hope all our international players return healthy.” The coach also maintained a realistic outlook, acknowledging that while Barcelona are “on the right track,” there’s still work to be done both domestically and in Europe. “Not everything is perfect, but we are making progress,” Flick concluded.

Athletic Club Test Looms for Barcelona

After the international break, Barcelona face Athletic Club at home—a significant test with Athletic currently seventh in La Liga. De Jong’s suspension will challenge Barça’s midfield resilience, but Flick’s focus remains firmly on maintaining pressure at the league summit.

Opinion: Flick’s Approach Paying Dividends

Flick’s emphasis on steady progress and psychological pressure on Real Madrid is clearly having an impact. The resurgence of Lewandowski is perfectly timed, yet the depth of the Barcelona squad will be crucial in the coming weeks—especially in De Jong’s absence. If Barça can navigate the next fixtures effectively, they can continue to close the gap and sustain their title charge. For more news, visit for more news about Barcelona and La Liga.