Lewandowski 10, De Jong 8.5 | Celta Vigo 2-4 Barcelona: Player ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona closed the gap with Real Madrid to just three points, taking full advantage of Los Blancos’ slip-up earlier in the day, as they beat Celta Vigo comprehensively at the Balaidos.

The game from Hansi Flick’s perspective was far from perfect, but the Catalans did show significant improvement in several areas including the press and the finishing.

Robert Lewandowski’s hat-trick stole the headlines while Lamine Yamal scored the other goal on the night.

There were some defensive worries for Barcelona in terms of the offside trap, especially given how they allowed the hosts to equalise twice – but Flick and Co. will focus on all the positives the game brought to light.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Celta Vigo 2-4 Barcelona.

Wojciech Szczesny: 6

The Polish goalkeeper conceded two goals in the opening half alone, and while there was not much he could do against the Borja Iglesias strike, there is a feeling he could have done better to stop the first goal conceded.

Alejandro Balde: 7

The defender improved from his poor display against Club Brugge and was more alert in holding the high defensive line while also making continuous forays in attack.

Celta Vigo’s second goal, however, did arise from his flank and he should have done better to prevent the cross from Ferran Jutgla.

Pau Cubarsi: 7

The youngster was unfairly shown a yellow card on the night for a clash in which he was actually the victim, but did well to manage the game despite the setback.

Looked calm with his distribution, did not hesitate to step ahead and held the offside trap to much better effect than Barcelona have done in recent times.

Ronald Araujo: 7.5

The Uruguayan surprisingly complemented Cubarsi well on the night as his pace worked well in tandem with the youngster’s ball-playing capacity.

As a combination, the duo did a good job at catching Celta offside on numerous occasions, sending some optimism that the idea still works. Yet, they also did get caught out in some instances.

Eric Garcia: 7.5

Starting despite having broken his nose just midweek, Garcia not only showed bravery but fearlessness as he replaced Jules Kounde at right-back.

The player did not overlap with Lamine Yamal in attack as Kounde does and thus saw a very limited attacking output. Defensively, however, he was meticulous and did well to hold up on his flank and even contributed to central defence on counter-attacks.

Frenkie de Jong: 8.5

The Dutchman was Barcelona’s only controlling midfielder on the night and did well to dictate the tempo of the game in possession.

Did not step out into advanced positions given the personnel situation, but was solid as the pivot player.

Was sent off for a relatively soft second foul late in the game but left after a great performance leading from the front.

Dani Olmo: 8

Initially starting on the bench, Olmo was called on as a late entrant into the starting XI after Marc Casado was surprisingly withdrawn from the XI.

Olmo, thus, played a relatively new role as he started as Barcelona’s deep midfielder alongside De Jong.

Surprisingly, the Spaniard did well and was solid in possession and distribution playing in a deeper position. On occasion, he even stepped forward and helped overload the Celta area.

Fermin Lopez: 6.5

Not one of Fermin’s best nights. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The in-form midfielder constantly had his eye on the Celta goal and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, however, he was unlucky not to find the back of the net.

Barring his goalscoring attempts, however, Fermin’s involvement in the buildup was surprisingly less than usual.

Lamine Yamal: 7.5

Three goals in three games now for Yamal. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Lamine had one of his quieter nights in the first half and looked comfortable dribbling past just one or two players and looking for a passing outlet instead of spearheading the attack.

Went on to score Barcelona’s third goal late in the first half, however, handing the team the lead heading into half-time.

Marcus Rashford: 7

The player made a more conscious effort to contribute to the team’s pressing structure off the ball and was seen chasing after the Celta players regularly.

His decision-making, on occasion, continued to be poor and he stunningly missed a 1v1 situation just before Celta Vigo’s first equaliser. He did, however, assist Robert Lewandowski’s goal and provide the ball that went on to reach Yamal for the third.

Robert Lewandowski: 10

Robert Lewandowski leads the way. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The Polish star continued his fine record against Celta Vigo on the night as he looked sharp in his first start after returning from injury.

He stepped up to take Barcelona’s penalty early in the game and put it past Radu to open the scoring. Later in the half, he again found the back of the net off Rashford’s assist to complete his brace and hand the team the lead once more.

Went on to complete his hat-trick in the second half with a header from a tight angle, sealing the win effectively for Barcelona.