The 16-year-old was vital as Barcelona secured a hard-earned win against Sevilla
Lamine Yamal turned in an exciting 80 minutes, and was a crucial part of the lone goal of the game as Barcelona narrowly beat Sevilla, 1-0. The winger offered Barca's most creative threat on the night, while his misdirected header deflected off former Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos to give Barca a late winner.
Joao Felix had the best chance of the early goings, rattling the bar from five yards out after being slipped through by Raphinha. Xavi's attacking setup — with Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Felix starting together — created opportunities in spades in the first half.
Sevilla had their moments, though. Marc-Andre ter Stegen was called into action three times in the opening period, denying the visitors on the break on a handful of occasions.
Barca applied more pressure after the break. Lewandowski and Gavi both came close within the first 10 minutes. Jules Kounde also nodded a header over. A stroke of luck gave the Blaugrana the lead, though. Ferran Torres found Yamal on the right wing, whose header found the bottom corner after a heavy touch off Ramos.
Barca have now played three games in six days, taking seven of a possible nine points — a solid return as the La Liga schedule heats up.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):
Made a couple of neat saves, will be happy with a clean sheet.
Joao Cancelo (7/10):
His passing range from deep areas was vital, even if he didn't create too many chances.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
A few excellent tackles and one crucial block against his former team.
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
Stretched a bit by Sevilla, but was tidy in big moments.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
A bit loose on the ball, and lacking in the final third. Looked tired towards the end.
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Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Controlled things on the ball in the middle of the park.
Gavi (7/10):
Deployed in a deeper position alongside Gundogan, which doesn't always suit him. But he can't be faulted for his work rate or tackling.
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Attack
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Not involved much early, but had more of an impact as the game wore on. Dangerous on the wing and smart in possession. His header led to Ramos' own goal. What a talent.
Raphinha (5/10):
Turned in an exciting 30 minutes before being removed with a hamstring injury.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Active in and around the box. Had a few close-range efforts denied. Looks a far better player when deployed alongside Felix.
Joao Felix (6/10):
Missed a sitter in the opening minutes. Some lovely touches and clever interchanges with Lewandowski, but failed to offer anything material.
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Subs & Manager
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Entered the game before half time to replace the injured Raphinha. An impressive hour from a real talent.
Ferran Torres (6/10):
Involved in the build up to the Barca opener. Could have set up one or two more if he made the right pass.
Oriol Romeu (6/10):
Brought on for defensive solidity.
Xavi (6/10):
Went for an almost concerningly attacking setup, working Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski and Felix into the starting XI. And it almost didn't work. Barca needed an own goal to get across the line. Still, it's the win that matters.
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