Barcelona moved nine points clear in La Liga with a narrow win over Celta Vigo, but their victory was marred by a hamstring injury to teenage match-winner Lamine Yamal.
BARCELONA took a significant step towards the La Liga title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou.
The crucial win was overshadowed by a hamstring injury to teenage star Lamine Yamal, who scored the only goal from the penalty spot before being forced off.
Yamal won the penalty after a slick exchange with Dani Olmo and was fouled by Yoel Lago. He converted the spot-kick low past Ionut Radu but immediately pulled up in pain.
The match was delayed for over 15 minutes due to a separate medical incident in the stands. Yamal was subsequently replaced by Roony Bardghji before half-time.
Barcelona also lost defender Joao Cancelo to injury during the match. Hansi Flick’s side lacked their usual attacking verve following their Champions League exit last week.
Celta’s Joan Garcia made good early saves from Pablo Duran and Ferran Jutgla. Ferran Torres had a volleyed goal disallowed for a marginal offside in the second half.
The hosts held on for three vital points, moving nine points clear of Real Madrid with six games left. They face Madrid in El Clasico on May 10.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid suffered a 3-2 defeat at struggling Elche. This marked their seventh loss in eight matches across all competitions.
Diego Simeone fielded a heavily rotated side ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. Nicolas Gonzalez scored twice for Atletico.
Elche’s victory was sealed by a brace from Andre Silva and a goal from David Affengruber. Atletico played for an hour with 10 men after Thiago Almada’s red card.
“The defeat is painful, the 10 men left gave everything to keep trying to pick up points,” Simeone told DAZN. He added, “All the responsibility (for losing) is mine as the coach.”
The win lifts Elche to 15th, two points above the relegation zone.
