Barcelona beat Celta Vigo to restore 9-point lead over Madrid

Updated: Apr 22, 2026, 06:15 pm

Barcelona are nine points clear at the top of LaLiga after Lamine Yamal's penalty earned them a 1-0 win against Celta Vigo at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Yamal converted from 12 yards in the 40th minute to earn the home side an eighth straight league win which moved them to within three more victories of the title.

The penalty for Yamal came at a cost, though, as the Spain star went straight to ground after scoring from the spot and was substituted late in the first half before walking straight down the tunnel with an injury.

It was a return to form for Barça following last week's elimination from the Champions League by Atlético Madrid, although their victory was marred by a medical emergency in the crowd which saw the match suspended for a period late in the first half.

Ferran Torres thought he had doubled his side's lead and put the game to bed early in the second half, but his effort was ruled out by VAR for offside.

Hansi Flick's team now face away games against Getafe and Osasuna and should they win them both, it could set up the tantalising prospect of wrapping up the title when Real Madrid visit on May 10.

Barcelona players celebrate after beating Celta Vigo in LaLiga at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona players celebrate after beating Celta Vigo in LaLiga at the Camp Nou.
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Joao Cancelo was forced off injured for Barcelona midway through the first half, with Alejandro Balde sent on in his place.

Torres set up Yamal in the 30th minute, but the Spain international fired wide before Dani Olmo missed the target.

The match turned in the 39th minute. Celta defender Yoel Lago upended Yamal inside the box and the referee pointed for a penalty. From the spot, the 18-year-old dusted himself off to find the corner and move Barca a step nearer the title.

A medical emergency caused the game to be paused for more than 20 minutes. After resuming, Roony Bardghji came within a whisker of doubling Barca's lead before the interval, but goalkeeper Ionut Radu threw himself athletically to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Torres then saw his effort ruled out as Barca looked to wrap up the win. Fermin Lopez shot wide from Torres' pass on a fast breakaway for Flick's side before Pedri shot straight at Radu.

Barcelona continued to pepper the Celta goal, but it was the visitors who almost emerged with a point against the odds in the final 20 minutes as Duran's shot forced Garcia into another save to keep his team ahead.

Information from PA was used in this recap.