FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Raphinha scored a 98th-minute penalty as FC Barcelona overturned a 3-1 deficit to defeat Celta Vigo 4-3 at home on Saturday, extending its La Liga lead over Real Madrid to seven points.
Celta striker Borja Iglesias delivered a brilliant hat-trick, threatening to derail Barca’s title push. But two quick goals and a late penalty secured a dramatic turnaround for the home side.
Barcelona had lodged a formal complaint over scheduling issues that allowed little recovery time between matches. Despite an early goal from Ferran Torres, the team looked fatigued before halftime.
A rare error from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny gifted Iglesias his first goal. The Celta forward then struck twice more in the second half, capitalizing on defensive lapses to make it 3-1.
Substitutes Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo were introduced as Barcelona searched for a response. Olmo soon pulled one back before Raphinha equalized with a header just four minutes later.
A tense finish saw Oscar Mingueza nearly score for Celta, but a late VAR review ruled Yoel Lago’s challenge on Olmo inside the area as a foul. Raphinha converted from the spot, sealing the win.
Elsewhere, Valencia held Rayo Vallecano to a 1-1 draw, with Umar Sadiq netting a late equalizer after Cesar Tarrega’s first-half own goal. On Friday, Marash Kumbulla’s 39th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory for Espanyol over Getafe.