De Jong sees yellow-red
©IMAGO
Thanks to a hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona have reduced the gap to Real Madrid in the Spanish championship. Coach Hansi Flick’s team won 4-2 (3-2) at Celta Vigo and is still three points behind Real after twelve match days. The Royals had previously had to be content with a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Lewandowski had given Barcelona the lead twice in a wild first half in Vigo (10th/37th minute), but the hosts immediately countered. Young star Lamine Yamal (45th + 4th) then made it 3-2 before Lewandowski made the decision with his third goal (73rd). In stoppage time, Frenkie de Jong was shown a yellow-red card, but the victory was no longer in danger.
This puts the Catalans back within striking distance of the record champions from Madrid, who experienced their second disappointment in just a few days after losing 1-0 in the Champions League at Liverpool FC. “We know where we stand. You have to know how to balance the good and the bad days. The season is still long,” said Real coach Xabi Alonso, who recently had to face the first doubts about his work.