Lamine Yamal refuses to rest as wonder kid continues scoring streak
Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal shows no signs of slowing down, netting in four consecutive matches regardless of competition or opposition.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation continues to defy logic with his consistency, proving himself just as deadly against lower-league opposition as he is against Europe’s elite.
Four on the trot
The young Barça star has now scored in four consecutive matches, showing he’s fully recovered from the pubic bone issues that hampered the first part of his season. Earlier in the campaign, he lacked that trademark spark in his dribbling and finishing, but those days are well and truly behind him now.
Against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Yamal was at it again. While some players might have gone through the motions against lower-division opposition, the wonderkid was having none of it. He attacked with purpose from the first whistle to the last, opening the scoring and creating numerous other chances.
One particular second-half moment showcased his vision, delivering a perfect ball to Ferran Torres that had Spanish football fans purring. If he maintains this trajectory, Spain could have a proper diamond on their hands for the World Cup.
Araujo returns with the armband
Ronald Araujo made a welcome return to Barcelona’s starting eleven, even wearing the captain’s armband. The Uruguayan hadn’t started since that nightmare against Chelsea in the Champions League where he saw red and subsequently missed a month through injury. He looked sharp physically, showing his trademark recovery pace on several occasions, and even capped his performance with a goal.
Cancelo chaos
Joao Cancelo was at his chaotic best (or worst), nearly collecting an early booking for an elbow before eventually seeing yellow for a rough challenge. He was skating on thin ice after a stamp on Bernabéu that could’ve seen him sent for an early bath. Flick wasn’t taking any chances, immediately sending Cubarsí to warm up before bringing him on after the interval.
Other notable moments
- Jefté, Albacete’s hero against Real Madrid in the previous round with two goals, started on the bench but nearly made an instant impact in the second half, his shot just missing the top corner.
- Rashford responded to Flick’s public challenge to improve his performances. The Englishman was instrumental in the opener, winning the ball that led to Yamal’s goal, and later produced a brilliant run down the left to set up a golden chance for Olmo (which was missed) before assisting Araujo.