Raphinha nets dramatic late winner as Barcelona move seven points clear

Raphinha’s 98th-minute penalty was enough to snatch an important win from a stubborn Celta Vigo side in a thrilling 7-goal encounter on Saturday as Barcelona push for the La Liga title.

Raphinha scored a late penalty to secure a 4-3 win for the league leaders to move seven points clear of La Liga title rivals Real Madrid.

Ferran Torres put Barcelona ahead with a solo goal, but they were pegged back just 4 minutes later after that with the equaliser coming from Borja Iglesias.

The striker was able to turn the ball into an empty net after Wojciech Szczesny missed a cross from Pablo Duran.

Celta’s striker doubled his goal tally in the afternoon and completed his hat-trick within 17 minutes of the restart.

Barcelona regrouped after seeing themselves shocked by the away side, and within six minutes produced a stunning “remontada” to level proceedings.

Raphina’s late winner against Celta Vigo gave Barcelona a 4-3 win on Saturday (Image credit: Getty Images)

Quick-fire strikes from substitute Dani Olmo and in-form Raphinha brought the hosts back into the action, setting up a what would be a late charge for an all-important win.

The Catalan pushed frantically for a winning goal and eventually grabbed it after VAR awarded a penalty for Yoel Lago’s challenge on Olmo in stoppage time, with Raphinha coolly converting from the spot to secure a hugely important victory for Hansi Flick’s side.

🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 4-3 Celta Vigo | Raphinha

RAPHINHA WINS IT IN THE 98TH MINUTE FOR BARCELONA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HUGE GOAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/4y4mnpjqmh
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 19, 2025

The win moves the leaders seven points (73) clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid (66) in second place on the La Liga table.

The 29-year-old has been in some scintillating form since the start of the season – taking everyone by surprise.

In La Liga, the winger has 15 goals and 9 assists in 30 appearances for the Spanish giants in the campaign.

Raphinha’s late goals mean the Brazilian has a total of 29 goals and 17 assists across all competitions, a total of 46 goal involvements in the 2024/25 season.

Overall, the former Leeds United man has reached 60 goals and assists for club and country – that is, 35 goals and 25 assists in the campaign.