Robert Lewandowski struck a sensational hat-trick as Barcelona battled past Celta Vigo 4-2 at Balaídos on Sunday, climbing further up the LaLiga standings.
The visitors opened the scoring early when Lewandowski calmly slotted home from the penalty spot, but Celta responded swiftly through Sergio Carreira’s equaliser.
Barcelona’s Polish talisman restored the lead with a composed finish from open play, only for Borja Iglesias to once again peg the Catalans back shortly before halftime.
In added time, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal fired Barcelona ahead for the third time, making it 3-2 at the interval.
After the restart, Lewandowski completed his treble with a towering header from a corner less than 20 minutes before full-time, sealing all three points for Hansi Flick’s men.
The match marked Lewandowski’s first start since recovering from a thigh injury that sidelined him for over a month.
Barcelona managed the remainder of the contest confidently, surviving late pressure from the hosts.
Yamal nearly added a fifth when his curling strike cannoned off the post in the closing moments.
The victory lifts Barcelona to 28 points, keeping them within three of league leaders Real Madrid as the title race heats up.
