Robert Lewandowski hat-trick fires Barca back into La liga title race as Real Madrid falter

Elsewhere, Valencia fought back to draw with Real Betis, Mallorca edged Getafe thanks to Vedat Muriqi's strike, and Athletic Club squeezed past Real Oviedo in Bilbao. The weekend underlined La Liga's unforgiving nature, where every result shifts the momentum in the battle for supremacy.

Lewandowski Leads the Charge: Barça Break Celta's Winning Run

Barcelona produced a spirited display to beat Celta Vigo 4-2, ending their four-match winless run away from home and halting Celta's impressive five-game streak. The victory, driven by Lewandowski's clinical hat-trick, reignited Barça's pursuit of Real Madrid at the summit.

Celta began brightly, but Alejandro Balde's goal-line clearance kept Barca level before Lewandowski struck from the penalty spot after Marcos Alonso handled inside the box. The hosts quickly hit back through Sergio Carreira, but just before half-time, Lewandowski volleyed home Marcus Rashford's teasing cross to restore Barcelona's advantage.

Borja Iglesias' precise finish made it 2-2, yet teenager Lamine Yamal rifled in a thunderous shot in stoppage time to edge Barca ahead again before the break. Lewandowski completed his treble in the second half with a deft header from Rashford's corner. Despite Frenkie de Jong's late red card, Barcelona managed the closing stages superbly, leaving Celta in 13th and Xavi's side within striking distance of Madrid.

Batalla the Hero: Rayo Hold Madrid in Frustrating Draw

Real Madrid's push for consistency stumbled again as they were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano, extending their winless run at Vallecas to four matches. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla was outstanding, denying Arda Guler, Vinicius Junior, and Federico Valverde with a string of superb saves.

Madrid, goalless in back-to-back games for the first time since April, dominated possession but lacked a clinical edge. Jude Bellingham came close with a header, while Kylian Mbappe missed narrowly late on. Thibaut Courtois had to stay alert to stop Jorge de Frutos and Alvaro Garcia at the other end as Rayo earned a well-deserved point.

The result marks a first league draw for Madrid since June and hands Barcelona a crucial opportunity in the title race, while Rayo's resilience keeps them unbeaten in four at home.

Rioja Rescues Valencia: Late Strike Denies Betis

Luis Rioja's late equaliser rescued Valencia in a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, easing pressure on manager Carlos Corberan and lifting his side out of the relegation zone.

Betis had taken the lead through Cucho Hernandez after capitalising on a defensive lapse, but Rioja kept his composure eight minutes from time to slot home a crucial leveller. Both sides created chances throughout, with Arnaut Danjuma and Antony going closest in an end-to-end affair.

The result keeps Betis unbeaten in four matches, while Valencia earn a much-needed point before the international break.

Muriqi Magic: Mallorca Edge Getafe in Tight Contest

Vedat Muriqi's early strike proved decisive as Mallorca edged Getafe 1-0, ending an eight-game losing streak against Madrid-based sides. The Kosovan forward blasted home Johan Mojica's cross after 15 minutes to secure Mallorca's second home win of the season.

Goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom made vital saves to deny Borja Mayoral and Juan Iglesias, while Mallorca's defence held firm under pressure. The result lifts them to 15th, with Getafe slipping to eighth but remaining within reach of the European spots.

Williams Wonder Goal Lifts Athletic Past Oviedo

Nico Williams' dazzling solo effort sealed Athletic Club's 1-0 win over Real Oviedo in their first top-flight meeting for almost 25 years. The winger skipped past two defenders before firing in off the underside of the bar midway through the first half.

Unai Simon produced key saves to deny Ilyas Chaira and Leander Dendoncker as Athletic held firm to end a three-match league skid. The victory moves Ernesto Valverde's side up to seventh, while Oviedo remain bottom and winless in five league matches.

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