By SCM Sports Correspondent I Sunday, Nov.09, 2025
VIGO, SPAIN — Barcelona survived a significant scare and a notoriously tough away trip to the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos last night, ultimately running out 4-2 winners against a spirited Celta Vigo side.
The Catalan giants had to dig deep at the famously tricky Galician ground, which has been a bogey venue for the club over the past decade.
In a scintillating La Liga encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Robert Lewandowski bagged a sensational hat-trick, while Lamine Yamal added another to seal a crucial three points for the visitors.
The Balaídos, Celta Vigo’s atmospheric home ground in the heart of Galicia, was rocking from the first whistle and proved once again to be a proper cauldron of noise.
Celta twice pegged back Hansi Flick’s men, with strikes from Sergio Carreira and Borja Iglesias, demonstrating why this coastal venue has earned a reputation as one of the most hostile and difficult places to play in Spain for the Blaugrana.
Barça have historically struggled to maintain their dominance on the west coast, only winning two of their last ten La Liga visits to the 24,791-capacity stadium before yesterday.
However, Poland’s master marksman, Lewandowski, was in no mood for historical narratives, clinically converting his chances to silence the passionate Celtista support.
The win cuts the gap at the top of the table to just three points after rivals Real Madrid dropped points earlier in the day, a huge result made all the more impressive by the location.
“This is not an easy place to come,” admitted Flick after the final whistle.
“The crowd were magnificent, and Celta fought hard. To get four goals here at Balaídos shows real character from my team.”
Despite the commanding scoreline, the victory was marred by a late red card for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, meaning the Dutchman will miss the next clash after the upcoming international break.
The victory, though, marks a significant psychological barrier overcome at a stadium that has haunted Barcelona in recent years.
