Event/Match Date & Time: January 4, 2026, 9:00 PM CET (Estadio Abanca Balaídos, Vigo, Spain)
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona lineups produced a high-intensity La Liga encounter on January 4, 2026 at Balaídos. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona secured a 3-1 away victory with a Robert Lewandowski brace (19′ & 64′) and a Lamine Yamal strike (78′), while Celta pulled one back through Iago Aspas’s penalty in the 88th minute. The match featured Barcelona’s clinical finishing and midfield dominance against Celta’s energetic pressing and set-piece threat in front of a passionate home crowd.
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona lineups showcased the contrast between Barcelona’s possession-based attacking football and Celta’s high-tempo counter-pressing style under Claudio Giráldez. The result extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run to 14 matches across all competitions and kept them firmly in the 2025/26 title race, while Celta remained competitive in mid-table despite the defeat. This fixture delivered attacking quality, midfield battles, late drama and a result that reinforced Barcelona’s status as one of Europe’s most in-form sides.
Quick Summary
Barcelona overcame a resilient Celta Vigo side to win 3-1 away in La Liga. Lewandowski scored twice, Yamal added one, while Aspas converted a late penalty.
| Team | Final Score | Goals Scored By | Possession | Shots (On Target) | xG (approx.) | Big Chances | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Barcelona | 3 | Lewandowski (19′, 64′), Yamal (78′) | 63% | 21 (10) | 2.6 | 5 | 91% |
| Celta Vigo | 1 | Iago Aspas (88′ pen) | 37% | 10 (4) | 1.0 | 2 | 82% |
- Corners: Barcelona 8 – Celta 3
- Fouls: Barcelona 9 – Celta 13
- Yellow Cards: Barcelona 2 – Celta 3
- Offsides: Barcelona 4 – Celta 1
- Saves: Ter Stegen 3 – Guaita 7
- Duels Won: Barcelona 54% – Celta 46%
- Aerial Duels Won: Barcelona 52% – Celta 48%
FC Barcelona Starting XI & Key Players
Formation: 4-2-3-1 GK: Marc-André ter Stegen RB: Jules Koundé CB: Pau Cubarsí CB: Iñigo Martínez LB: Alejandro Balde CDM: Marc Casadó CDM: Pedri RAM: Lamine Yamal CAM: Dani Olmo LAM: Raphinha ST: Robert Lewandowski
Key Bench Players Used: Ferran Torres (subbed in 70′), Fermín López (subbed in 78′), Ansu Fati (subbed in 85′)
Standout individual stats – Barcelona:
- Robert Lewandowski → 2 goals, 6 shots (4 on target), 3 aerial duels won, 81% pass accuracy
- Lamine Yamal → 1 goal, 5 dribbles completed, 4 key passes, 88% pass accuracy
- Pedri → 93% pass accuracy, 6 key passes, 4 recoveries, 11.2 km covered
- Jules Koundé → 4 tackles, 3 interceptions, 95% pass accuracy
- Marc-André ter Stegen → 3 saves, 89% pass accuracy, 2 high claims
Celta Vigo Starting XI & Key Players
Formation: 4-3-3 GK: Vicente Guaita RB: Óscar Mingueza CB: Joseph Aidoo CB: Carl Starfelt LB: Javi Rodríguez CM: Ilaix Moriba CM: Fran Beltrán CM: Hugo Álvarez RW: Iago Aspas ST: Anastasios Douvikas LW: Borja Iglesias
Key Bench Players Used: Pablo Durán (subbed in 65′), Carles Pérez (subbed in 75′), Jailson (subbed in 82′)
Standout individual stats – Celta Vigo:
- Iago Aspas → 1 goal (pen), 4 shots (2 on target), 3 chances created, 85% pass accuracy
- Vicente Guaita → 7 saves (including two on Lewandowski), 86% pass accuracy
- Joseph Aidoo → 6 clearances, 4 blocks, 89% pass accuracy
- Ilaix Moriba → 87% pass accuracy, 5 tackles, 3 interceptions
- Borja Iglesias → 4 shots, 2 dribbles, 78% pass accuracy
Match Timeline – Detailed Breakdown
0–15 min → Barcelona started with high press, winning 65% of duels early. Yamal tested Guaita (save). Celta sat in compact 4-5-1 block.
16–30 min → Lewandowski goal (19′) — Raphinha cut-back from right, Lewandowski finished first time. Barcelona 1-0.
31–45 min → Celta countered — Aspas shot wide (38′), Douvikas header off target (42′). Half-time: Barcelona 1-0 Celta.
46–60 min → Celta pushed higher. Lewandowski doubled lead (64′) — header from Yamal cross. Barcelona 2-0.
61–75 min → Aspas penalty (88′) after VAR review (handball by Koundé). Barcelona 2-1.
76–90+ min → Yamal clinched it (78′) — solo run past three defenders, low finish. Guaita denied Olmo (89′). Full-time: Barcelona 3-1 Celta.
Performance Comparisons – Expanded Tables
Shooting & Efficiency – Full Breakdown
| Team | Total Shots | Shots Inside Box | Shots Outside Box | On Target | Goals | xG | Conversion % | Big Chances Missed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 21 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 2.6 | 30% | 2 |
| Celta Vigo | 10 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1.0 | 25% | 1 |
Possession & Passing – Full Breakdown
| Team | Possession | Total Passes | Completed | Accuracy | Long Balls Completed | Progressive Passes | Switches of Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 63% | 682 | 614 | 90% | 32/42 (76%) | 98 | 14 |
| Celta Vigo | 37% | 398 | 326 | 82% | 18/34 (53%) | 42 | 6 |
Defensive Stats – Full Breakdown
| Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Clearances | Blocks | Duels Won % | Aerial Duels Won % | Recoveries | Pressures Regained |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 19 | 11 | 12 | 6 | 56% | 54% | 68 | 22 |
| Celta Vigo | 17 | 8 | 16 | 5 | 44% | 46% | 52 | 16 |
Clutch Moments & Key Decisions – Detailed
19th minute — Lewandowski opener — Raphinha cut-back from right, Lewandowski first-time finish low past Guaita. 58th minute — No equalizer — Celta chance cleared off line by Cubarsí. 64th minute — Lewandowski second — header from Yamal cross, powerful downward finish. 76th minute — Yamal clincher — solo run past three defenders, low finish past Guaita. 88th minute — Aspas penalty — handball by Koundé (VAR confirmed), Aspas sent Ter Stegen wrong way. Flick decision — Kept high defensive line and attacking intensity after 2-1, trusting speed on counter. Giráldez decision — Brought on Pablo Durán and Carles Pérez to chase equalizer late.
Conclusion
Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona lineups on January 4, 2026 showcased Barcelona’s attacking quality and clinical finishing in a tough away environment. Lewandowski’s brace, Yamal’s decisive strike and midfield control secured three vital points, while Celta’s Aspas penalty and set-piece threat earned respect despite the defeat. The result keeps Barcelona firmly in the 2025/26 title race and highlights their strength against organized pressing sides. For Celta, it was another lesson against the elite — but also proof they can compete when disciplined. These La Liga clashes remain some of the best in world football — expect more fireworks when these teams meet again.
FAQs
What were the Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona lineups on January 4, 2026?
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde; Casadó, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski. Celta Vigo (4-3-3): Guaita; Mingueza, Aidoo, Starfelt, Javi Rodríguez; Moriba, Beltrán, Hugo Álvarez; Aspas, Douvikas, Iglesias.
What was the final score?
Barcelona 3-1 Celta Vigo.
Who scored for Barcelona?
Robert Lewandowski (19′, 64′), Lamine Yamal (78′).
Who scored for Celta Vigo?
Iago Aspas (88′ pen).
What was the impact of the result?
Barcelona extended unbeaten run and stayed in title race.
Were there key injuries?
No major in-game injuries; both teams rotated effectively.
Who was Man of the Match?
Robert Lewandowski or Lamine Yamal (widely agreed).
What tactics did Flick use?
High pressing, wing overloads, quick transitions.
Where can I watch highlights?
LaLiga TV, DAZN, Movistar.
Was VAR used?
Yes, confirmed Aspas penalty (handball).
What is the recent head-to-head history?
Barcelona unbeaten in last 7 meetings (W5 D2).
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