Barcelona star Lamine Yamal returned to the starting line-up for the Catalan giants on Tuesday night, and was the key factor for his side once again, providing two assists and creating a third. The latter pair of goals he was heavily involved them came courtesy of what is increasingly becoming a trademark outside of the boot or ‘trivela’ pass.
It seems like this version of Raphinha has no ceiling. The Brazilian averages one goal every 110 minutes in what is already, by far, his best season as a professional player. In total he’s on 26 G+A in all competitions this season. @bonagerman pic.twitter.com/yxUh49o3mO
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 4, 2024
A skill that he showed to outrageous effect earlier in the season against Villarreal, the 17-year-old was back to his best against RCD Mallorca, and crucial in their 5-1 win. After one attempt was cleared, the first instance of his trivela causing havoc was his assist for Raphinha, coming from the right side of the box and allowing the Brazilian to ghost for an easy goal.
What a ball by Lamine Yamal 😮💨
Special assist by the returning star to set up Raphinha for his second goal tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nECsvONE6e
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024
LAMINE YAMAL TRIVELA ASSIST TO RAPHINHA!!! 🤯
AN UNBELIEVABLE BALL FROM THE YOUNGSTER ✨ pic.twitter.com/p9U1n5BiiF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 3, 2024
🪄 LAMINE YAMAL, MINISTRO DE EXTERIOR.
😱 La brutal asistencia para el doblete de Raphinha.#LaCasadelFútbol #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/lotS4gHOfF
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) December 3, 2024
On the second occasion, Lamine Yamal shot Pau Victor in behind the Mallorca defence with another curving ball straight into his path, and the former Girona man was able to pull the ball across for Raphinha to score his second.
Stop that Lamine Yamal. pic.twitter.com/jyhf0BKFWv
— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) December 3, 2024
Stop That Lamine Yamal.#LaCasadelFútbol #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/WudT77dOPa
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) December 3, 2024
Speaking after the match to TV3, Lamine Yamal met questions about his passes with a smile.
“It’s something that I do well, and I will keep doing it. It helps the team, and I will continue to try and do so. L2 is the button on FIFA, I think,” he laughed.
Lamine Yamal vs Mallorca pic.twitter.com/sxTCRjKoQm
— 𝙈𝙓 6 🕊️ (@MagicalXavi) December 3, 2024
The teenage starlet returned from nearly a month out with an ankle issue on Saturday, playing 45 minutes against Las Palmas, but was back in the starting line-up for their trip to Son Moix.
“My ankle is perfect, I’m ready to play whenever I’m needed.”
During the match, Sport say that captain on the night Raphinha offered him the penalty that he won, but Lamine Yamal politely declined so the Brazilian could take it. The pair seem to share a good relationship on and off the pitch.
“I am really happy for Raphinha, we have a good understanding. And he knows when I am in that area of the pitch, I will always try that pass.”
Lamine Yamal: “We knew we were superior in the first half, and at the break we said we had to be more effective.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 3, 2024
“It was a really important win after two defeats [in three games] in La Liga. So it was important to win with a result like this. We are really happy. We have been good in the Champions League, but in La Liga we were dropping silly points. This was a big win for everyone. The goals for those that play less will give them a lot of confidence.”
Lamine Yamal and Barcelona will be back in action on Saturday with another tricky away trip to the Benito Villamarin to face Real Betis. Their win takes them back four points clear of Real Madrid though, albeit having played two games more.
