Lewandowski hits historic hat-trick as Barcelona edge Celta Vigo to move within three points of Real Madrid | OneFootball

Barcelona returned back to winning ways in La Liga, winning 4-2 at Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.

Robert Lewandowski got Barcelona off to a flying start, putting the defending champions ahead from the penalty spot.

Marcus Rashford should have given Barcelona a two-goal cushion when put through on goal, but could only fire straight at goalkeeper Ionut Radu.

His miss proved costly as Celta went to the other end to level the scores.

Borja Iglesias played a perfect pass behind Barcelona’s high defensive line, allowing Sergio Carreira to race through on goal and side-foot the ball into the bottom corner.

Barça have now conceded at least one goal in each of their last 10 matches across all competitions — their worst run without keeping a clean sheet since March 2013.

Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead, applying a deft finish to Rashford’s sublime cross.

The visitors’ lead only lasted for six minutes as Iglesias restored parity for Celta with a wonderful strike just from outside the area.

Deep into the first half stoppage time, Lamine Yamal struck the ball home, giving Barcelona a 3-2 lead at the break.

The second half did not start frenetically as the first, with neither side creating chances until the 74th minute, when Lewandowski struck again for the visitors.

Yamal delivered a corner to the front post and the veteran striker brilliantly flicked the ball home.

Lewandowski has now scored 76 goals since making his debut — only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has netted more than him in Europe’s top five leagues within that period.

He also became the third oldest player to score a hat-trick in La Liga in 21st century.

Frenkie de Jong was sent off in stoppage-time but it was too late for the hosts to salvage a result.

The result moves Barcelona to within three points of league leaders Real Madrid, who were held to a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano.