Lamine Yamal lit up a shaky Barcelona display, scoring a brilliant solo goal to help the Catalans salvage a 3-3 draw away to Club Bruges.
The 18-year-old prodded home with the outside of his left foot after picking up the ball on the edge of the area before gliding through Bruges defenders, briefly dragging Hansi Flick’s side level on another chaotic European night.
Bruges led three times through Nicolo Tresoldi, Carlos Forbs and Christos Tzolis before a late own goal spared Barca from another damaging defeat. Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres grabbed the other goal for the LaLiga giants.
It was a result that halted their four-match winning run in the Champions League and again underlined the defensive frailties Flick has yet to fix.
Yamal’s strike, his seventh in the competition, was the one moment of genuine class. He has now been directly involved in 13 goals in Europe’s top tournament – matching Kylian Mbappe’s record for players aged 18 or under.
That moment of magic came amid renewed concern over his groin problem, with reports in Spain claiming the teenager is managing a condition called pubalgia.
The issue has already forced him to miss several matches this season and caused visible discomfort during the recent Clasico defeat by Real Madrid.
Club medics are monitoring him closely, while Flick has urged caution, saying the winger ‘still feels a bit of discomfort’ but continues to play through it.
Even so, Yamal’s numbers remain remarkable. He has produced seven goals and six assists in Europe alone this term, continuing a rise that will not let comparisons to Lionel Messi abate.
His growing profile off the pitch reflects that status, with the teenager reportedly earning around £325,000 per week. He is said to be preparing to buy the Barcelona mansion once owned by Gerard Pique and Shakira.
Yamal has also purchased homes for members of his family as his influence inside and outside the club continues to rise.
