FC Barcelona returned to winning ways after their defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk as they won their last La Liga game against Alaves. With these important three points, Xavi and his team will go into the international break with a little bit less pressure than they otherwise would have.
However, despite the win, the game itself was filled with moments of controversy. One of the main talking points from this match was the apparent tension between Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, as the strikers appeared unhappy with one of Yamal’s shots and also ignored a handshake offered by the youngster later in the game.
Yamal involved in a scuffle with Blanco
As already reported here, the two involved players were seen to have been engaged in a friendly and relaxed conversation after that incident, but this was not the only incident Yamal was engaged in at that match.
As SPORT has noted, the youngster was involved in another altercation on the pitch, but this time with one of the Deportivo Alaves players, Antonio Blanco. At that moment, the Barcelona winger was protesting with the referee for a perceived injustice when the Alaves player came and pushed Yamal away in an aggressive manner.
Martinez protects the youngster
The two players remained engaged until the recent Barcelona signing, Inigo Martinez, appeared on the scene and chided Blanco for his aggression towards the youngster.
Thus, Martinez did what he had to do as he protected the 16-year-old from undue pressure from opposition players. Martinez joined Barcelona only some months ago, but this event showed the experience and leadership qualities that the former Athletic Club defender has accumulated over the years.
This event will also be a good learning experience for Yamal, who will have to face such aggression from opposition players very frequently as he plays more often in top-flight football.
