Barcelona Is Still Criticized Even Though They Can Cut The Distance From Real Madrid In The LaLiga Standings

Hansi Flick doesn't care about the criticism that leads to Barcelona (Instagram/@fcbarcelona).

JAKARTA - Hansi Flick said he ignored the noise from experts and former players after Robert Lewandowski's hat trick helped Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2.

The three-point score brings the distance closer to three points from LaLiga leaders, Real Madrid.

The Blaugrana only won three of the seven matches before the away match on Monday, November 10, 2025, early morning WIB, to Balaidos.

The 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the middle of the week exacerbated criticism of Flick's decision to play such a high defensive line.

The defensive line was again breached twice in the tense first half at Celta Vigo's headquarters, but Barcelona showed a game under control after a pause to win much-needed before the international break.

"I've always thought of saying something about experts, former players, and coaches, but no, I wouldn't."

"I'm going to give you too much to talk about and it's too noisy! But, yeah, for me it's like that."

"We're going to analyze this game like we're analyzing every game and trying to fix it. It's our job. Not everything's good, we're going to talk about this."

"For me, the most important thing is that (the players) have confidence and confidence in what we do. The second half is a good example of how we want to do it," Flick said in a press conference after the game.

The fierce first half against Celta Vigo was no different from Barcelona's draw in Belgium in the Champions League match.

Celta Vigo came back twice from behind to equalize after Lewandowski's first two goals - the penalty and the second was close after Marcus Rashford's cross - through Sergio Carreira and Borja Iglesias' goals.

Lamine Yamal returned Barcelona's lead just before half-time and Lewandowski, who started for the first time in more than a month, completed a hat-trick in the second half with a header using Rashford's pass to ensure victory.

"Yes (I'm satisfied). I really appreciate what I saw today. Today, especially in the first half, we made some mistakes, more than in the second half, and they took advantage of them."

"Two goals led to goals. But, what I saw, also in the first half, we controlled the game."

"It was a really good game when we had the ball and especially in the second half we defended much better."

"I think the second half also gave us confidence for the next games."

"This is what we need. When you can press your opponent, that's a good way. We did it. I like what I saw, especially in the second half," Flick said.

This victory brought Barcelona three points adrift of Real Madrid, who were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, November 9, 2025. This provides more motivation for the Blaugrana players ahead of the match against Celta Vigo.

"It was one of the biggest games of the season, especially in the first half. We scored three goals, conceded two, but I am very happy that we won a very difficult game."

"We know if we win today, we will reduce the difference with Real Madrid to three points."

"Not only that, we always want to be ready. We know we have to do a few things better, but throughout the season it's important to see what we can do better," said Lewandowski.

Despite the absence of most of the season due to injury, Lewandowski has now scored seven goals in just 449 minutes of LaLiga's game.

"Of course I'm very happy, not only with my goals, but also with the way we play."

"Today we played as a team. I think in a game like this, it's also important."

"After what happened at Rayo Vallecano (balanced against Real Madrid), we said it was very important to return to competition."

"Types of games like this really help us and give us more strength for the next game," said the Polish player.

Barcelona's victory was slightly damaged by Frenkie de Jong's red card in the final minutes due to a second yellow card.

As a result, the Dutch midfielder will miss the match against Athletic Club after the international break that leaves Flick short on midfielders.

Pedri was also in doubt for the match due to injury, while Marc Casado was withdrawn from the line-up at Celta Vigo's home a few minutes before kick-off after suffering an injury while warming up. He will undergo tests on Monday, November 10, 2025.