Lewandowski Hat-Trick Powers Barcelona Past Celta Vigo 4-2 Amid Midfield Crisis

Barcelona pulled off a dramatic 4-2 win over Celta Vigo at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos on Sunday, November 9, 2025, thanks to a historic hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski — his first start in a month and his most decisive performance since joining the club. The victory, sealed by goals in the 10th, 37th, and 73rd minutes, was overshadowed by a last-minute injury to 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casadó, who pulled up during warm-ups with what reports called "a puncture in the adductor," forcing him off and triggering a chain reaction that could cripple Barcelona’s midfield for weeks. The match ended with Frenkie de Jong sent off in the 94th minute, leaving manager Hansi Flick with only one fully fit central midfielder for their next fixture — and he’s still recovering from a year-long ACL tear.

A Hat-Trick That Rewrote History

Robert Lewandowski didn’t just score three goals — he delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing. His first came from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after a handball by Celta’s Borja Iglesias. The second, a low, curling finish from the edge of the box in the 37th, came just seconds after Marcus Rashford equalized — a bizarre but perfect synchronization that left analysts scratching their heads. The third, a header off a corner in the 73rd, was pure instinct. He didn’t celebrate wildly. He just nodded, wiped his brow, and jogged back. That’s the Lewandowski effect: quiet dominance.

It’s his 12th La Liga hat-trick — tying him with Kylian Mbappé for the most by a foreign player in the league’s modern era. And with Mbappé scoring just once in his last three games, Lewandowski now trails him by only two goals in the Pichichi race. "He’s not chasing records," said former Barcelona captain Xavi Hernández on TV3. "He’s chasing consistency. And right now, he’s the most consistent striker in Europe."

The Injury That Could Break the Midfield

The real story, though, wasn’t on the scoreboard. It was in the locker room.

Just 12 minutes before kickoff, Marc Casadó — Barcelona’s breakout 22-year-old central midfielder — collapsed during the warm-up, clutching his inner thigh. He didn’t even make it to the bench. Dani Olmo, who hadn’t started since the 4-1 loss to Sevilla in October, was rushed into the lineup. The substitution was a band-aid. The problem? The wound is deeper.

Barcelona’s central midfield is now a ghost town. Pedri González is out with a hamstring strain. Gavi (Pablo Martín Páez Gavira) is still rehabbing from a metatarsal fracture. Frenkie de Jong will miss the next match after his 94th-minute red card. And now, Marc Casadó is sidelined indefinitely — medical tests are underway, with results expected within 24 hours. The only specialist central midfielder left? Marc Bernal, 21, who returned from a 12-month ACL reconstruction just three months ago. Flick has called him "a diamond in the rough," but even he admitted, "We can’t ask him to play 90 minutes every week. Not yet."

Defensive Fragility and Tactical Chaos

Barcelona’s defense looked shaky even with Lewandowski’s goals. Ronald Araújo was caught out on both Celta goals — once on a flick-on from Jonny Castro, another on a quick counter that exposed his slow recovery pace. Cubarsí, the 18-year-old center-back, looked overwhelmed in the first half, missing two crucial tackles and nearly giving away a penalty with a wild swipe.

Only Éric García stood tall. Playing on the right flank with a protective mask after a facial fracture against Real Sociedad, he made seven recoveries and completed 92% of his passes. "He’s playing through pain and fear," said AS’s match analyst. "And he’s still the most composed player on the pitch."

What’s Next? The Clash at San Mamés

Barcelona’s next match — November 23, 2025, at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao — is now a nightmare scenario. Without de Jong, Casadó, Pedri, or Gavi, Flick’s only options are Bernal, the aging Sergio Busquets (who’s on a one-year deal), or pushing Lamine Yamal — the 17-year-old winger — into a holding role. That’s not a tactical adjustment. That’s desperation.

And then there’s the goalkeeper. Wojciech Szczęsny played his last La Liga match before Joan García returns from injury after the international break. Szczęsny hasn’t kept a clean sheet in four games. García, younger and more agile, is the future — but the question is, will he be ready for Bilbao?

Why This Matters

This wasn’t just a win. It was a warning. Barcelona’s attack is still lethal — Lewandowski, Rashford, and Yamal form one of the most dangerous trios in Europe. But their midfield is a house of cards. One injury, one red card, and the whole structure collapses. Flick has built a team that can score from anywhere — but can it survive without control? The answer might come in Bilbao, where Athletic Club’s physical, high-pressing style will expose every gap.

For now, the fans cheer Lewandowski’s hat-trick. But the smart ones are already checking the medical bulletins. Because in football, goals win games. But midfield depth wins seasons.