📍 April 19, 2025

Barcelona produced one of their most dramatic performances of the season on Saturday, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Celta Vigo 4-3 at the Olympic Stadium. Raphinha’s stoppage-time penalty completed a thrilling comeback and extended Barça’s lead at the top of LaLiga.

How the Match Unfolded

Barcelona struck early, with Ferran Torres opening the scoring in the 12th minute. However, Celta Vigo quickly responded. A misjudged cross by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny allowed Borja Iglesias to equalize just three minutes later.

Iglesias was not finished. Exploiting Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities, he completed his hat trick with two breakaway goals early in the second half, putting the visitors up 3-1 and silencing the home crowd.

Facing a two-goal deficit with time running out, Barcelona responded with urgency and resilience.

The Comeback

• Dani Olmo pulled one back for Barcelona, igniting the comeback.

• Minutes later, Raphinha struck the equalizer to level the match at 3-3.

• In the 98th minute, VAR awarded Barcelona a penalty after a foul on Olmo inside the box.

• Raphinha converted with precision, firing into the top corner to complete the turnaround.

The final whistle sparked celebrations as Barcelona pulled off one of their most memorable wins of the campaign.

What This Means for LaLiga

The victory extends Barcelona’s lead over second-placed Real Madrid to seven points, placing them firmly in control of the LaLiga title race with only a handful of matches remaining.

Xavi Hernandez’s side has now won five consecutive league games, showing both attacking brilliance and, at times, defensive vulnerability — a balance they will need to manage carefully as the season reaches its climax.

Key Stats

• Goalscorers:

  • Barcelona: Ferran Torres (12’), Dani Olmo, Raphinha (2)

  • Celta Vigo: Borja Iglesias (hat trick)

• VAR Impact:

  • Barcelona’s match-winning penalty was awarded following a lengthy VAR review for a foul on Dani Olmo.

• Stoppage-Time Drama:

  • Raphinha’s winner came in the 98th minute, capping a chaotic second half.

Final Word

Barcelona’s resilience under pressure continues to define their season. While defensive lapses remain a concern, their ability to fight back in critical moments underlines why they are favorites to lift the LaLiga trophy once again.

As the title race nears its conclusion, Barcelona’s destiny is firmly in their own hands.