Thank you so much for everything: the live notes from Celta-Barça

BarcelonaBarcelona secured a victory at Balaídos, closing the gap to two points in La Liga. The Blaugrana triumphed thanks to a hat trick from Lewandowski in a match that once again exposed some of the team's defensive weaknesses. In the second half, Barcelona's possession-based style proved decisive against Celta Vigo. Here are some immediate observations.

Survival without touching a comma. Celta Vigo, one of the most entertaining teams in La Liga, pushed Flick's Barça to the limit last season, and this year they've also found ways to hurt them. The Galicians once again found open spaces behind the Barça defense, which was again soft on the counter-attack, especially in the first half, but then lost the battle of the back because they also concede a lot of space at the back (Marcos Alonso and Starfelt are quite tight). Be that as it may, the objective achieved before the break: six out of six in La Liga without Pedri and a small chip away at Real Madrid's lead in the standings. But be warned: consistency will be hard to come by without further improvements.

He's having a blast. Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are the toughest opponents Barça will face before the holidays. These are the teams against which Lewandowski feels the effects of time. He's approaching thirty-eight, and Champions League defenses demand too much of him. However, as a highly regarded goalscorer, he remains a spectacular threat against mid-table La Liga teams. It's highly unlikely the Polish striker will renew his contract beyond this summer, but his performance over the past four years has been sensational. He could stop playing tomorrow and still be remembered as Laporta's most important signing of his second term as president. In Vigo, he's the one who wins the game.

Add in another way. Raphinha's absence has meant Rashford has started many matches in recent weeks. The Englishman has combined spectacular goals, like the one he scored against Newcastle, with largely unproductive contributions to the team. At Balaídos, he again earned individual accolades with two excellent assists for Lewandowski. But more than that, the Englishman deserves praise for the step forward he took off the ball. The left flank had just been leaky in Bruges, and Rashford stepped up to defend his full-back on several occasions. That's precisely what will set you apart from João Félix, Marcus. That's how Deco and company will see the €30 million price tag for you this summer as justifiable.

The last service. Joan Garcia will be medically cleared during this FIFA break and will return as Barça's starting goalkeeper. His absence has been sorely felt because he had started the season very well. On the other hand, it would be unfair to deny that Szczesny, during these weeks as the starting goalkeeper, has made some great saves, such as in the Clásico. But a team as daring – and more exposed than ever this season – as Flick's, cannot have such an inconsistent goalkeeper: he has conceded seventeen goals in nine matches. At Balaídos, just like on Wednesday in Bruges, he even looked sluggish, out of shape. With Ter Stegen also about to return, it's hard to imagine many more matches with the Polish striker in goal. Thanks for everything, Tek.