BARCELONA : Barcelona moved closer to the La Liga title with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but suffered a setback after teenage forward Lamine Yamal went off injured.
Yamal won and converted a first-half penalty but appeared to hurt his hamstring while taking the spot kick and was substituted before the break. Defender Joao Cancelo also left the pitch injured.
The result lifted Barcelona nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the standings with six matches remaining, including a crucial Clasico on May 10.
“We have to win every game and seal La Liga as soon as possible,” midfielder Pedri told Movistar. “I hope Lamine’s injury is for as few weeks as possible. He’s young and will recover well.”
Barca, playing their first match since their Champions League quarter-final exit to Atletico Madrid, struggled to find attacking rhythm in a tight contest.
Yamal broke the deadlock after combining with Dani Olmo and being brought down in the box before calmly converting from the spot. However, he immediately signalled discomfort and required treatment before being replaced.
The match was briefly delayed due to a medical incident in the stands, and Barcelona were unable to extend their lead, with a second-half strike from Ferran Torres ruled out for offside.
Celta pushed late, with former Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso going close from a free kick, but the hosts held on for a potentially decisive three points.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid slumped to a 3-2 defeat at Elche, their seventh loss in eight matches across all competitions.
Nicolas Gonzalez scored twice for Atletico, but Elche secured victory through goals from David Affengruber and a brace by Andre Silva to boost their survival hopes.
Coach Diego Simeone took responsibility for the defeat, saying: “The loss is painful… all the responsibility is mine.”
