FC Barcelona moved one step closer to the La Liga title with a hard-fought victory over Celta Vigo, but the result came at a significant cost. The Catalan giants may have secured three crucial points, yet the spotlight quickly shifted to growing injury concerns following a physically demanding encounter.

The defining moment arrived thanks to rising star Lamine Yamal. The teenager produced a brilliant solo run to win a penalty before confidently converting it himself. However, the celebration was short-lived — Yamal picked up an injury during the strike, casting immediate doubt over his availability for the decisive stages of the season.

It was not the only setback for Barcelona. João Cancelo was forced off in the first half with a knee problem, while Gavi also had to be substituted after the break. For Hansi Flick, the growing list of absentees will be a major concern as the title race reaches its climax.

Celta Vigo deserve credit for their fearless approach. Organized and energetic, they repeatedly tested Joan García, who was called into action with several impressive saves to preserve Barcelona’s narrow lead. At the other end, Ferran Torres thought he had doubled the advantage, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a marginal offside.

The closing stages were played at a frantic pace, with Barcelona digging deep to withstand sustained pressure from the visitors. In the end, resilience proved just as important as quality.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Barcelona - Celta 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Yamal, 40 (penalty) (1:0)

Barcelona: García Jo.; Cancelo (Balde Al., 23); Cubarsí; Martín G.; Kounde; Garcia E.; Gavi (Fermin Fermin, 46); Olmo (de Jong F., 73); Yamal (Bardagji, 45); Torres F. (Rashford, 73); Pedri
Substitution: Balde Al. (from 23); Bardagji (from 45); Fermin Fermin (from 46); de Jong F. (from 73); Rashford (from 73)
Bench: Szczesny; Kochen; Araujo R.; Espart; Casado M.; Lewandowski

Celta: Radu A.; Carreira; Rueda; Alonso M.; Rodriguez J.; Moriba; Jutgla (Sotelo, 81); Alvarez H. (Swedberg, 64); Lago (Mingueza, 64); Lopeez F. (Aspas, 81); Durán (Iglesias, 72)
Substitution: Mingueza (from 64); Swedberg (from 64); Iglesias (from 72); Sotelo (from 81); Aspas (from 81)
Bench: Villar; Aidoo; Fernandez Man.; Núñez Ál.; Vecino; Antañón; El-Abdellaoui
Yellow Cards: Lago 59