The China Mail - Barca make stunning comeback to beat Celta Vigo in Liga thriller

The Catalans trailed 3-1 inside the final half-hour after a Borja Iglesias hat-trick for the visitors but Dani Olmo scored and then Raphinha struck twice, including a 98th minute penalty, to snatch three essential points for the leaders.

Champions Real Madrid, second, host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, with a Clasico showdown still to come in May.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who railed against his team's intense schedule on Friday, rested teenage star Lamine Yamal for the first time in 2025, although he was later needed from the bench after Iglesias' treble.

The Catalans took the lead after 12 minutes when Ferran Torres, starting in place of the 17-year-old, strolled into space and with the defence standing off, drilled past Vicente Guaita from the edge of the box.

Celta Vigo swiftly hit back, skewering Barcelona's high defensive line three minutes later.

Pablo Duran escaped on the right with the defence stranded and his cross was turned home by Iglesias into an empty net, after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny dived fruitlessly to try to intercept the ball.

Raphinha whistled over a free-kick and La Liga's top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski hammered wildly off-target as the Catalans looked to restore their lead.

At the other end Szczesny made a double save from Ilaix Moriba and Iker Losada.

Celta, flying high in La Liga and in contention for European football next season, were finding plenty of joy going forward.

Claudio Giraldez's team took the lead early in the second half after a mistake by Frenkie de Jong, who ceded possession sloppily in a dangerous area, allowing Iglesias to find an angle and drive a low effort beyond the reach of Szczesny.

With Barcelona on the attack Celta hit them again with Sergio Carreira playing Iglesias into an ocean of space behind the high line. The striker galloped through and beat the retreating Szczesny with ease.

Inspired by substitutes Yamal and Olmo, Barcelona battled back, showing the attacking verve their rivals Real Madrid lacked in midweek as they sought their own comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League.

Raphinha nudged a pass through for Olmo to beat Guaita and rouse the Olympic stadium crowd from its sullen stupor.

Four minutes later the Brazilian winger scored himself, heading home as Yamal crossed into the danger area from the right flank.

Former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza could have struck for Celta Vigo in the 90th minute but headed wide from point-blank range.

Eventually Barcelona were awarded a penalty in the 96th minute after a VAR review when Olmo was clumsily clattered from behind by Yoel Lago.

With Lewandowski replaced, Raphinha took responsibility and hammered into the top-right corner to earn his team a dramatic and potentially vital victory.

Z.Ma--ThChM