FC Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, thanks to the return of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. After weeks of being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Yamal’s impact on the pitch was immediate and undeniable.
Introduced as a substitute in the second half, the 17-year-old made his mark with the decisive goal in the 83rd minute. Latching onto a well-placed assist from João Félix, Yamal showed composure beyond his years, slotting the ball past Bilbao’s goalkeeper with clinical precision.
Beyond the goal, Yamal was at the heart of Barcelona’s attacking fluidity during his brief time on the pitch. His ability to draw defenders, create space, and link up with teammates highlighted just how much the team had missed his presence.
In Yamal’s absence, Barcelona had struggled to break down compact defenses, often lacking the creativity needed to unlock games. With Yamal back, the team looks far more dynamic, as evident by their improved ball movement and ability to exploit openings against Bilbao.
Hansi Flick’s side now appears more cohesive and confident in the attacking third, and the timing of Lamine’s comeback is critical as Barcelona enters a challenging phase of the season. With the Copa del Rey final and a tight La Liga title race on the horizon, Yamal’s influence could be the difference in delivering silverware.
Barcelona fans hope that their star boy's resurgence is only the beginning of a strong finish to the campaign. His return has restored hope and momentum to a side that looks ready to reclaim its spot atop La Liga.