Lamine Yamal Wonder Goal Rescues Barcelona
By Elim Haile
La Masia never ceases to amaze. As this season has come to show, La Masia's talents have been one of the only bright lights in what has been a disappointing season, and Lamine Yamal has spearheaded that light, not only as a young phenomenon but as one of the best players in the team.
Match Recap
Barcelona faced 14th-placed Mallorca, who's been below mediocre in La Liga this season. After a disappointing performance vs Athletic Club last matchday, Barcelona were determined to change the tide of their recent form.
In the first half, Barcelona was quite comfortable, holding control of the match without any real imminent threat from the Mallorca attack. However, that control didn't result in any dangerous goalscoring opportunities until Raphinha fell inside the box midway in the first half.
The initial live appearance showed that Raphinha had gotten fouled from inside the box, but problems arose with Raphinha staying down. He sadly had to get subbed off for Fermín because of his injury which seems to be an ankle issue.
The penalty was given, and Gündoğan stepped up to take it but was denied with his shot saved, pinning the Blaugrana in a hole. Félix would attempt a shot outside the box before halftime that narrowly missed the graze of the right post.
The second half however would produce more fruitful results for the home side. Cancelo's trademark outside of the boot cross was on full display in this match, in which Yamal controlled the deflected cross and slammed a power shot on goal that shook the crossbar.
Yamal wasn't finished yet however, in the 72nd minute, he would dribble past the Mallorca player and deliver a fantastic curling finish to the top left corner in an oozing display of class and genius. Barcelona had no answers all game, but it was the 16-year-old who provided the spark once again.
Mallorca would have great chances to salvage a point after Yamal's wonder strike, but La Masia gem Pau Cubarsí had a defensive masterclass. He silenced their attack, not letting Mallorca striker Cyle Larin an inch of space the entire match.
Season Defining Game Awaits
Although Yamal's wonder strike does put a smile on the faces of all Barcelona supporters, it doesn't bring a sense of security, witnessing the team struggle to score against Mallorca. What awaits Barcelona on Tuesday is a completely different animal, with pressure on the team to deliver.
The 2nd leg match vs Napoli is the biggest match by a landslide for Barcelona. Already being knocked out of the Copa Del Rey, losing the Super Cup final to Real Madrid and being 5 points behind Real Madrid who have a game in hand in La Liga, the Champions League is the sole place Barça can take pride in.
Without star players Frenkie De Jong and Pedri, and with the recent injury of Raphinha, Barcelona has an uphill battle to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The current squad will need to raise their performance levels, with coach Xavi needing a tactical masterplan to take down the Italian team.
It is do or die for Barcelona. No more excuses, no more complaining, the real business is about to start. Mes Que Un Club, "more than a club", is the Catalan catchphrase representing the team, on Tuesday night we will see if they live up to it.