With a brilliant defensive performance, Barca maintained their lead over Real.

The Catalan team had to rely on the courageous efforts of their defenders and a precious winning goal from Jeremy Mathieu to secure a victory against Celta Vigo in the 29th round of La Liga.

Mathieu (right) replaced the attacking line-up, helping the team secure all three points. Photo: Reuters

Result:Celta Vigo 0-1 Barca

Goal:Jeremy Mathieu 73'

Defender Mathieu brilliantly became the hero for Barca when he rose high to head in the only goal in the 73rd minute. The Liga leaders thus secured a narrow victory away at Celta Vigo and re-established their four-point lead over Real Madrid.

Besides scoring the decisive goal, Mathieu, along with Pique, Alves, and Adriano, formed a solid defense, making several crucial saves for goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Celta Vigo had at least five opportunities to open the scoring but failed to capitalize on any of them.

Barca traveled to Celta Vigo's stadium under pressure to win in order to restore their lead over Real. Shortly before, the second-placed team had a spectacular performance, beating Granada 9-1 and narrowing the gap to just one point.

Barca also faced significant challenges from Celta Vigo's attacking efforts. Luis Enrique's former team proved effective right from the opening whistle, playing a pressing game and boldly pushing forward towards goalkeeper Bravo's goal. Celta Vigo even came close to opening the scoring in the 11th minute when Larrivey's shot deflected off Bravo.

In this match, Messi, like Neymar and Luis Suarez, appeared lackluster due to the relentless marking of the opposing defense. Throughout the first half, M10 only managed one dribble from the right wing into the center, with a shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez.

Celta Vigo deserved a point at home.

Taking advantage of the fatigue of Barca's attacking trio, Celta Vigo increased the pressure and nearly scored. Goalkeeper Bravo had to rush out to make a tackle right in front of Nolito, and Larrivey continued to miss the home team's second chance when he received a pass from Orellana at the end of the first half.

Barca fans had to wait until the second half to see any positive signs. Xavi's introduction in the 58th minute helped the visitors control possession more and create more attacking opportunities for their forwards. Neymar even put the ball into the net against Celta Vigo, but it was disallowed due to offside.

Barca's patience finally paid off in the 73rd minute. From a free kick on the left wing, Xavi lofted the ball into the penalty area for Mathieu to head it in from close range, scoring the only goal of the match.

Celta Vigo's defense couldn't keep up with Mathieu.

As the match drew to a close, the Celta Vigo players became increasingly frustrated with having numerous attacking opportunities but still failing to score. In the 88th minute, Orellana even threw a handful of dirt at Sergio Busquets' head and was sent off with a direct red card.

The score could have been 2-0 in favor of Barca if Messi hadn't missed a golden opportunity in the 91st minute. In that situation, M10 chipped the ball over the crossbar while facing goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez. This miss further distanced Messi from Ronaldo in the race for the top scorer and the Golden Boot, who scored five goals against Granada in the same round.

According to VNE