BARCELONA – Barcelona took a significant step toward retaining their LaLiga title with a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday. However, the win was marred by an injury to Lamine Yamal, whose first-half penalty secured all three points for the Catalan giants.

With just six games remaining in the season, Barcelona maintains a commanding lead at the top of the LaLiga standings with 82 points, nine points clear of second-place Real Madrid on 73. This crucial victory strengthens their grip on the title race, but concerns over Yamal’s injury cast a shadow over the result, especially with the highly anticipated Clasico just two weeks away and the World Cup fast approaching.

Barcelona took the lead in the 38th minute when Yamal was fouled by Yoel Lago inside the penalty box. The young winger quickly recovered from the challenge and confidently converted the resulting penalty with a powerful strike to the left of the goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, Yamal’s celebrations were short-lived. He immediately clutched his left hamstring and fell to the ground in pain. The 16-year-old limped off the pitch with assistance from the team’s medical staff and was substituted shortly thereafter.

"We just hope that Yamal’s injury is not significant," Barcelona midfielder Pedri told Movistar Plus. "We still don’t know the full extent, but I’m optimistic because he is young and should recover quickly."

Pedri emphasized the importance of the victory, saying, "It was a very important win because we needed to keep nine points clear at the top. We managed to win against a very tough opponent, and that was crucial."

Barcelona controlled possession throughout the match, but Celta Vigo looked dangerous early on. In the first minute, Joan Garcia was forced into a brilliant one-handed save, denying Pablo Duran’s angled strike. In the 15th minute, Celta forward Ferran Jutgla squandered a golden chance, blasting over from close range when the visitors should have taken the lead.

Yamal’s decisive penalty proved to be the match’s defining moment, but his injury wasn’t the only setback for Barcelona. Fullback Joao Cancelo also had to be substituted before halftime due to a leg injury, marking the second enforced change for coach Hansi Flick in the first 45 minutes.

The second half saw little excitement, with Ferran Torres’ potential second goal ruled out by VAR in the 55th minute for being marginally offside after a long pass from Pedri.

Despite the lack of further goals, Barcelona held firm to secure the win. However, all eyes will now be on Yamal's condition as the team prepares for their upcoming fixtures.

In other LaLiga news, Atletico Madrid suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, losing 3-2 to relegation-threatened Elche. Elche climbed to 15th on 35 points, two points clear of the relegation zone, while Atletico remained in fourth place with 57 points, eight points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis.

-Reporting by Fernando Kallas in Madrid; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters