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ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI UNSTOPPABLE — BARCELONA BLAST CELTA, TITLE CHASE HEATS UP
Robert Lewandowski's hat-trick fires Barcelona to a thrilling 4-2 win at Celta Vigo, moving them second. Lamine Yamal also scored and Marcus Rashford provided two assists in a victory marred by Frenkie de Jong's late red card.
Lewandowski powers Barca closer - Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
At Rayo Vallecano, Hansi Flick's team took advantage of Madrid's 0-0 tie earlier, thanks to the experienced Polish striker's hat-trick.
In yet another exciting match brought upon by the champions' offensive strategy, teenager Lamine Yamal also scored for Barcelona, while Marcus Rashford provided two additional assists.
Barca's Frenkie de Jong was sent off late in the game after receiving two yellow cards, but the champions had already won and were in second place.
Lewandowski told Movistar, "Vigo is usually tough for us, but we have fewer points (between us and Real Madrid) today."
"We talked at halftime about how we could improve, but in the first half, Celta scored with ease. In the second half, we had the game more under control."
A frantic first half resulted from Flick's insistence that Barcelona would not alter their style despite recent setbacks, particularly Wednesday's 3–3 Champions League stalemate with Club Brugge.
Ten minutes after Marcos Alonso stopped Fermin Lopez's attempt, the champions took the lead through a penalty kick from Lewandowski, but Celta equalised a minute later.
Celta surged away to score after Lopez threw Rashford through, but Rashford wasted a one-on-one opportunity.
Sergio Carreira sprinted in behind after the Galicians took advantage of Barcelona's high defensive line, and he maintained composure to defeat Wojciech Szczesny.
Flick urged his squad to put up more of a fight without Pedri, Raphinha, and Joan Garcia, among other injured players, and they appeared more motivated at Balaidos.
Ionut Radu of Celta stopped Lewandowski from close range as he followed up, Rashford turned the rebound against the post, and Ilaix Moriba blocked Lopez's attempt.
Resuming his best form, Lewandowski pushed Barca ahead on 37 minutes with his second goal after an inviting cross from Rashford. Radu could have done better with his shot, but it slipped past him.
Two minutes before halftime, Borja Iglesias hammered a rocket from the edge of the box over Szczesny and into the back of the net as Celta swiftly responded once more.
But when Yamal, a teenage sensation, beat Radu at his near post after Rashford's deflected cross, Barca took the lead.
Compared to the chaotic first half, both teams were much more stable in the second half and had a lot fewer opportunities.
Despite being behind, Celta was forced to sit back as Barcelona controlled the ball.
After 73 minutes, Lewandowski gave his team a two-goal lead with a header from Rashford's corner to complete his hat-trick.
The striker's seventh league goal of the season in just four starts demonstrated that, despite a season marred by injuries, his finishing ability has not decreased at the age of 37.
Rashford, who is now on loan at Manchester United, has contributed seven La Liga assists to help cover for the injured Raphinha.
After beating Radu, Yamal broke away and had a chance to score Barca's fifth goal late on, but his low drive struck the post.
Barca suffered a setback when De Jong was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time for stepping on Iago Aspas's foot.
Barcelona's triumph gave Flick and his team more confidence ahead of the forthcoming international break after they had only won two of their previous ten league games away from home at Balaidos.
Lewandowski stated, "We have two weeks to unplug now, but I hope we play a lot better when we come back. It is the perfect chance to improve things that are not functioning."
"I told Flick that I did not need a nap. I am so thrilled and feel great physically today."
BARCELONA EYE LIVERPOOL’S STAR IN MAJOR TRANSFER MOVE
FC Barcelona are reportedly targeting Liverpool's defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as a priority signing for next summer. The Dutch star has become a key player for the Reds under Arne Slot.
Barcelona line up Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch as prime summer target - COURTESY/PHOTO
Even though FC Barcelona did not spend a lot of money throughout the most recent transfer windows, they still made significant acquisitions like Joan Garcia and Dani Olmo.
The Catalan team will be eager to revive its finances and pursue further players in the transfer market going forward. Barcelona needs to add the right players to complete their roster, which is already extremely good.
Ryan Gravenberch, a great midfielder for Liverpool, is a top target for Barcelona next summer, according to Fichajes. The Dutchman is widely praised for his midfield skills and is one of the Reds' most vital players.
The 23-year-old has changed into a defensive midfielder since joining Anfield. He remains one of the first names on Arne Slot's team sheet because of his fast thinking and body feints to avoid pressure, which are reminiscent of a young Sergio Busquets.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, two of Barcelona's best pivot players, are both deep-lying playmakers. In addition to the fact that the 23-year-old is no mug with the ball at his feet, signing someone like Gravenberch might bring defensive solidity.
However, it would not be shocking if Liverpool demanded a high price for Gravenberch, one that Barcelona would probably be unable to afford. If Marc Bernal and Marc Casado fulfil their potential, the Dutchman is neither a must-have nor a simple addition to the Catalan team. It is advisable to avoid making too many assumptions about this interest at this time.
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI’S DEVOTION CLEAR — PAY CUT WON’T STOP BARCELONA DREAM
Robert Lewandowski's future at Barcelona is uncertain as his contract expires. The striker wants to stay, even with a pay cut, and accept a substitute role. Will the club offer a new deal?
Lewandowski prioritizes legacy over money - Credit: Getty Images
Given that Robert Lewandowski's contract is set to expire in the summer, it is unclear whether he will remain at Barcelona beyond the current campaign.
Although the seasoned attacker has lately stated that he has not decided what to do next, Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly interested in him.
When questioned about the striker's circumstances, sports journalist Dominik Piechota stated that he intends to stay at Barcelona past the end of the current campaign.
We think this might be Lewandowski's final season. Arabia, Milan... However, he wants to remain in Barcelona. Despite a significant pay cut," he informed Jijantes.
"Robert wants to demonstrate his ability to fill a variety of roles. Here, he and his family are content.
Despite taking on a smaller role at Barcelona this season, Lewandowski has scored four goals in eight La Liga games for Hansi Flick's team.
Depending on his performance for the remainder of the season, Barca may or may not be willing to offer a new deal.
Any choice about Lewandowski might also be impacted by the club's ability to find a replacement up front, which could be challenging given their current financial difficulties.
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