Barcelona survived a fierce test of mentality and squad management on Saturday night, overturning a two-goal deficit to edge Celta Vigo 4-3 in a chaotic La Liga clash that could have major title implications.
With several key fixtures looming, head coach Hansi Flick took a calculated risk, resting teenage winger Lamine Yamal and rotating parts of his squad. The move seemed costly early on, as Celta surged ahead thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Borja Iglesias, punishing lapses in Barça’s defensive shape.
But what followed was a dramatic shift in tempo and resolve. Dani Olmo sparked hope with a timely finish, and Raphinha stepped up to lead the late surge first drawing level, then converting a nerveless penalty deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.
Flick praised his team’s perseverance after the match, saying, “This attitude, this mentality of not giving up, is really great to see… we tried everything to get the three points and we did it.”
The victory momentarily pushes Barcelona seven points clear at the top of the table, with Real Madrid set to play on Sunday. A high-stakes Clasico and a cup final still await, but this win may prove to be the emotional jolt the Catalans need heading into the season’s defining stretch.
Still, concern looms over star striker Robert Lewandowski, who left the pitch clutching his hamstring. Flick addressed the issue cautiously: “From my experience we wait until tomorrow (and the tests),” he said, opting not to confirm the extent of the injury but hinting at a potential absence in both the Copa del Rey final and upcoming Champions League tie.
