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

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

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

Marcus Rashford should have given Barcelona a two-goal cushion when put through on goal, but he fired 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 superb strike just from outside the area.

Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead just before the break.

Lewandowski struck again for the visitors in the 74th minute. Yamal delivered a corner to the front post, and the veteran striker brilliantly flicked the ball home.

He has now scored 76 goals since making his debut – only Manchester City’s Erling Braut 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 the 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.