The international break was a period that FC Barcelona dreaded at this point of the season. Many stars of the Catalan team, even this season, have suffered various injuries during their time with their respective national teams. Even now, the worries of Barcelona remained, and justifiably so.
However, it was truly the opposite that ended up becoming the reality of things. Barcelona saw their pearls and stars shine on the international stage, and the latest fixture between Brazil and Spain was no different. While Raphinha was not exactly a shining star on the field, a certain Spaniard lit up the Santiago Bernabeu.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal, as highlighted by SPORT, was truly sensational against Spain’s Brazilian rivals. In fact, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, the performance of the Barcelona youngster was so sublime that even the Bernabeu crow had to stand up and give him an ovation, an extremely rare honor in light of just how intense the El Clasico rivalry of their dueling clubs is.
Ultimately, it was because Yamal was crucial to each and every goal that Spain scored. An exhilarating 3-3 draw was the final score of the game, but the Barcelona starlet was essential to each of those three goals that Spain ultimately managed to put past Brazil.
The first was a penalty that was scored by Rodri of Manchester City, but it was initially won by Yamal himself. Through his intricate dribbling, he weaved and teased his way past the Brazilian defenders, who could do nothing but see helplessly as they tripped the Barcelona youngster.
With one goal practically gifted and put on a plate for his team, the 16-year-old did not stop there. The second goal, a brilliant play by Dani Olmo, was initiated by the Barcelona prodigy as well. It was his pass that counted as the direct assist to his teammate’s rather incredible solo goal.
Even then, with two goals contributed by him, Yamal gave no signs of stopping. With the game tied at 2-2, and Spain needing someone to pull something special, it was once again the Barcelona pearl who conjured something out of nothing.
Receiving the ball out on the right wing of the attack for Spain, Yamal pulled off an outrageous pass and it worked its magic for him. Seeing the run of Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal faster than anyone else could, he gave him an exquisite through ball with his trivela.
The ball found its target and with one touch and one lunge, Spain found themselves with another penalty thanks to Brazil’s inability to cope with Yamal and Carvajal’s connection.
Beyond just the goals, Yamal was equally as proficient and astonishing to watch. Without even looking at his age, the Spanish players trusted him with every ball he demanded to his feet. Using his dribbling to constantly evade and annoy the Brazilians, Yamal continued to showcase why exactly he is as highly rated as he is.
