Barcelona entered the pitch at Balaídos aware that Real Madrid had dropped points against Rayo Vallecano. They successfully capitalized on the situation, closing the gap on La Liga summit to three points.

The Catalans secured an important 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday night thanks to a hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski. Lamine Yamal netted the other goal, while Marcus Rashford provided two assists. Despite falling behind twice, Celta fought back each time before succumbing after Barcelona’s third goal.

Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead with a perfect spot-kick in the 10th minute after Marcos Alonso of Celta handled the ball in the box. However, Sergio Carreira took no time to equalize for the hosts through a counterattack.

The Polish striker scored again in the 37th minute to make it 2-1, but defensive lapses haunted Hansi Flick’s side as Borja Iglesias restored parity six minutes later. Barcelona regained the lead before halftime when young sensation Lamine Yamal scored a superb goal.

Barcelona resumed the second half with greater composure, controlling the tempo and piling pressure on Celta’s defense. Lewandowski sealed the victory in the 72nd minute, heading home a well-placed corner from Rashford with a spectacular back-header.

The victory was slightly marred as Frenkie de Jong received a red card late in the match, ruling him out of the next game.

Barcelona head into the international break sitting in second place with 28 points from 12 matches, three behind leaders Real Madrid. After the break, the Catalan giants will host Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on November 22.