Barcelona Continues Winning Streak

Young star Lamine Yamal led his team Barcelona to a 4-2 victory over hosts Levante yesterday in the fifth round of the Spanish league, continuing his perfect start with a fifth consecutive win, while Atletico Madrid returned to the winning track with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad. Yamal scored a brace in the 19th and 48th minutes from penalty kicks, after young Chavi Espar gave the title holders an early lead in the fifth minute, and substitute German Karim Adeyemi added the fourth in stoppage time (90+2). In response, substitutes Ivan Romero and Roger Bruge scored Levante’s goals in the 79th and 88th minutes, respectively. The Catalan side moved to the top of the table with 15 points, three points clear of second-placed rivals Real Madrid (12 points), having scored 21 goals in five matches, averaging more than four goals per game. Barcelona opened the scoring from their first opportunity, with a low shot from Espar with his right foot from just outside the penalty area, which was slightly deflected by Levante defender Adrian de la Fuente “Dela” before settling in the bottom left corner (5). Coach Hansi Flick’s side continued to press and added a second through Yamal, who fired with his left foot from close range into the top of the net (19). In the second half, Yamal won a penalty after being fouled by Algerian international Aissa Mandi, converting it successfully to score his sixth goal in five league matches (48). Substitute Romero revived the home side’s hopes by pulling one back (79). Bruge reopened the scoring for Levante after a brilliant individual run down the left side of the Catalan defense, shooting low with his left foot that goalkeeper Garcia saved initially, before he pounced on the rebound with his right foot from inside the six-yard box (88). But substitute Adeyemi settled matters, after a brilliant individual effort, beating two Levante players, he entered the penalty area, dribbled past another, and placed a low shot with his right foot into the bottom left corner from close range (90+2). Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways after last week’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao (0-3), by beating hosts Real Sociedad 3-0. Atletico moved to 10 points in fourth place, while Sociedad remained on seven points in 12th. Deportivo La Coruna, led by veteran Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, continued their positive start after his return to the top flight, securing a valuable 1-1 draw away at Getafe. Getafe took the lead through winger Ramon Terrats (66), but Aubameyang equalized for his side with a header in the 78th minute. Deportivo moved to nine points in fifth place, while Getafe reached five points in 14th. Malaga also secured a valuable 1-1 draw away at Celta Vigo.