Barcelona Triumphs Over Celta Vigo In Thrilling 4-3 Comeback

Barcelona secured a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory against Celta Vigo on April 19, 2025, in a gripping encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title. The match, part of the 32nd round of the 2024-25 Spanish La Liga season, saw Barcelona momentarily falter but ultimately triumph thanks to a stellar performance from Raphinha.

The win propelled Barcelona to the top of the table with 73 points, giving them a 7-point cushion over second-placed Real Madrid. This victory was crucial for maintaining their lead, especially after a recent Champions League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund, which had left the squad a bit depleted.

Barcelona's starting lineup featured goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, defenders Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsi, Iñigo Martínez, and Gerard Martin, midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, and an attacking trio of Fermín López, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres. Celta Vigo, on the other hand, fielded Vicente Guaita in goal, with a defense comprising Sergio Carreira, Marcos Alonso, Yoel Lago, and Fran Beltrán, while Iago Aspas led their attack.

The match kicked off with Barcelona taking an early lead in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres scored after a well-placed pass from Iñigo Martínez. However, the joy was short-lived as Celta Vigo equalized just three minutes later through Borja Iglesias, who capitalized on a defensive error from Szczęsny.

As the first half progressed, Barcelona struggled to regain their rhythm. Raphinha, who had been expected to shine in the absence of Lamine Yamal, missed a couple of crucial opportunities, including a deflected shot in the 29th minute and another near miss in the 39th minute.

The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1, but Celta Vigo came out strong in the second half. Iglesias struck again in the 52nd minute, putting Celta ahead 2-1 with a well-timed finish. Just five minutes later, Iglesias completed his hat trick, extending Celta's lead to 3-1, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Barcelona.

With their backs against the wall, Barcelona made critical substitutions in the 59th minute, bringing on Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal. These changes proved pivotal. Olmo quickly made an impact, scoring in the 64th minute after a brilliant assist from Raphinha, narrowing the score to 3-2.

Just four minutes later, Raphinha himself found the back of the net, leveling the score at 3-3. The comeback was on, and the momentum had shifted dramatically in favor of the home side.

As the match approached its climax, the drama escalated. In the dying minutes of the match, Olmo was fouled in the penalty area, leading to a VAR review that resulted in a penalty kick for Barcelona. Raphinha stepped up and converted the penalty in the 97th minute, sealing a remarkable 4-3 victory for Barcelona.

This match showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of Barcelona, who, despite facing adversity, managed to secure a vital three points. However, the victory was marred by concerns over Robert Lewandowski's health after he was substituted in the 79th minute due to a hamstring injury, which could sideline him for crucial upcoming fixtures.

Barcelona's performance was marked by both brilliance and vulnerability, reflecting their current form in La Liga. This rollercoaster of a match not only kept them at the top of the table but also highlighted the importance of depth in their squad as they navigate through a demanding season.

As the season progresses, Barcelona will need to maintain this momentum while keeping an eye on injuries and squad rotation, especially with the Champions League semi-finals looming. The road ahead is challenging, but if this match is any indication, Barcelona has the heart and determination to face whatever comes their way.