Latest from the ongoing Spanish La Liga season, Barcelona were able to pull off a fighting victory over rivals Villareal following a valiant team effort to help seal a 4-3 victory in front of the rival crowd on Sunday. 16-year-old Lamine Yamal was on fire throughout the match, firing several shots at the Villa goal, two of which rebounded off the post and allowed fellow buddies to convert the sweet spot to propel Barca to a thrilling win.
Yamal first provided an assist to Gavi, delivering a sublime cross at the far post to help Barcelona net the opening goal of the match at 12 minutes. The next goal came from Frenkie de Jong, whose shot helped Barca double the lead with 15 minutes on the clock.
However, Villarrreal was able to bounce back into the game with Juan Foyth heading in a corner kick by Álex Baena to get the team their first goal in the 26th minute. Next up, Alexander Sorloth tapped in a sharp pass from Alfonso Pedraza and was able to convert the spot and get the equalizer in the 40th minute. At the end of the first half, both the teams were level at 2-2.
Villareal took the edge in the 50th minute when Baena curled in a pass from Pedraza, who flicked the ball past the Barca goalie to put his side in front 3-2. Yamal then came extremely close to scoring the equalizer for Barca in the 57th, but his promising shot hit the post.
After substitute Ferran Torres put in his own rebound to level the score, Yamal dribbled past his marker and unleashed a low shot that goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen did well to send off his post. The rebound fell right to Lewandowski for him to push in for his first goal of the season.
There’s nothing to take away from Villareal, who put up an exceptional show in the match, but Yamal helped Barcelona dig in and get the win that now keeps them two points behind table toppers Real Madrid. The teenager was lauded by the fans in attendance at Villarreal’s stadium when he was substituted late in the match.
