Raphinha Shines as Barcelona Edge Celta in 4-3 Thriller

Raphinha Shines as Barcelona Edge Celta in 4-3 Thriller

In a thrilling La Liga encounter on April 19, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, Barcelona secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo in a match that showcased both teams’ attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.

The win temporarily extended Barcelona’s lead at the top of the La Liga table to seven points, keeping them firmly in control of the title race. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match, how both teams played, and how Barcelona clinched the win.

Match Overview

The game was a rollercoaster, with seven goals, a significant injury, and moments of brilliance from both sides.

Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, entered the match as favorites, riding an unbeaten run in La Liga in 2025 and boasting the league’s best goal-scoring record with 84 goals in 31 games.

Celta Vigo, sitting seventh in the standings and pushing for European qualification, posed a stern test with their entertaining, counterattacking style under manager Claudio Giraldez.

The match lived up to expectations, delivering end-to-end action and a nail-biting finish.

How Barcelona Played

Barcelona started the match with intent, looking to dominate possession and exploit their attacking depth.

Their predicted lineup included Wojciech Szczesny in goal, a backline of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, and Gerard Martin, a midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez, and an attacking line of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.

Despite a midweek Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona showed resilience but struggled with defensive lapses and inconsistency.

First Half

Barcelona took the lead through Ferran Torres, who capitalized on a well-worked move to put the hosts 1-0 up. However, their defense looked shaky, and goalkeeper Szczesny’s error allowed Borja Iglesias to equalize for Celta, making it 1-1 at halftime. Fans on X noted Szczesny’s mistake but credited him for crucial saves that kept Barcelona in the game. Pedri was a standout, controlling the midfield, while Dani Olmo’s quick thinking added flair, though some players, like Gerard Martin, struggled defensively.

Second Half

Barcelona regained the lead early in the second half, with Raphinha scoring to make it 2-1, followed by another goal to extend the lead to 3-1. However, disaster struck when Robert Lewandowski suffered a suspected left hamstring injury around the 78th minute, forcing him off for Gavi.

This disrupted Barcelona’s rhythm, and Celta capitalized, with Borja Iglesias scoring twice to level the score at 3-3. Raphinha, the star of the match, restored Barcelona’s lead with a late goal, securing a 4-3 win. His performance was pivotal, earning him widespread praise for his pace, finishing, and ability to exploit Celta’s defense.

Barcelona’s attack was relentless, with 84 goals in the season underscoring their firepower. However, their defense was exposed at times, particularly against Celta’s direct play. The team’s ability to fight back after conceding showed character, but the injury to Lewandowski raised concerns for upcoming matches, including the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinals.

How Celta Vigo Played

Celta Vigo approached the match with confidence, buoyed by their recent form and a counterattacking style that has made them one of La Liga’s surprise packages.

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Their lineup likely featured Vicente Guaita in goal, a defensive trio of Javier Rodriguez, Carlos Dominguez, and Carl Starfelt (before his injury absence), wing-backs Oscar Mingueza and Franco Cervi, midfielders Fran Beltran and Ilaix Moriba, and attackers Jonathan Bamba, Borja Iglesias, and veteran Iago Aspas.

First Half

Celta started brightly, using long balls to bypass Barcelona’s press and create chances. Borja Iglesias’ equalizer showcased their ability to punish mistakes, while Aspas’ experience troubled Barcelona’s young defenders. Despite trailing, Celta remained dangerous on the break, with Szczesny making key saves to deny them a lead.

Second Half

Celta’s resilience shone through as they fought back from a 3-1 deficit. Iglesias’ two goals highlighted their direct, opportunistic approach, with quick transitions and precise finishing. Ilaix Moriba, a former Barcelona player, added energy in midfield, while Oscar Mingueza’s runs down the right stretched Barcelona’s defense. However, Celta’s defense struggled to contain Raphinha, and their late collapse allowed Barcelona to snatch the win.

Celta’s entertaining style earned them admirers, but their inability to hold firm defensively cost them. They remain a threat, particularly with Aspas (eight goals in La Liga) leading the line, but this loss dented their European qualification hopes.

How Barcelona Won

Barcelona’s victory hinged on their attacking quality and Raphinha’s brilliance. Despite defensive errors and Lewandowski’s injury, they showed resilience to overcome Celta’s spirited comeback.

The Brazilian winger scored twice, including the decisive goal, and was a constant menace. His ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically was the difference-maker.

Pedri and Dani Olmo’s creativity kept Barcelona ticking, even when under pressure. Frenkie de Jong, marking his 250th appearance, provided stability.

After Celta equalized at 3-3, Barcelona dug deep, with Raphinha’s late strike securing the points. Their never-say-die attitude echoed past comebacks, like their 3-2 win over Celta in 2023.

However, the win came at a cost, with Lewandowski’s injury potentially sidelining him for crucial upcoming matches. Flick’s side will need to address defensive frailties to maintain their title charge.

Match Summary

• Final Score: Barcelona 4-3 Celta Vigo
• Goals:
  • Barcelona: Ferran Torres (1st half), Raphinha (2nd half, x2), [Other scorer not specified]
  • Celta Vigo: Borja Iglesias (1st half, 2nd half x2)
• Key Moments:
  • Ferran Torres opened the scoring, but Szczesny’s error led to Iglesias’ first goal (1-1).
  • Raphinha’s brace and another goal put Barcelona 3-1 up.
  • Lewandowski’s injury in the 78th minute disrupted Barcelona’s flow.
  • Iglesias’ two goals leveled the score at 3-3.
  • Raphinha’s late goal sealed a 4-3 win.
• Standout Players:
  • Barcelona: Raphinha (two goals, match-winner), Pedri (midfield control)
  • Celta Vigo: Borja Iglesias (hat-trick), Iago Aspas (constant threat)
• Injuries: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, suspected hamstring injury)
• Impact: Barcelona moved to 71 points after 32 matches, seven points clear of Real Madrid (who have a game in hand). Celta remained seventh, 27 points behind the leaders.

Post-Match Context

The victory kept Barcelona in pole position in the La Liga title race, but the loss of Lewandowski and defensive issues raised concerns. Coach Hansi Flick, already frustrated with La Liga’s scheduling around Champions League commitments, will need to manage his squad carefully. Celta, despite the defeat, showed they can compete with the best, with their counterattacking style posing problems for top teams.

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