Yamal makes history... Raphinha continues to shine
Barcelona continued their ideal start to the Spanish La Liga season by overturning a deficit to secure a commanding 5-2 victory over visitors Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou in the third round. The win marks their third consecutive triumph, moving them to nine points at the top of the table, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference.
Rayo Vallecano needed just 12 minutes to surprise the home side, with Sergio Camello finding the net. However, Barcelona responded swiftly and decisively.
In the 19th minute, Brazilian winger Raphinha restored parity with a shot following an individual effort inside the penalty area. Just two minutes later, Lamine Yamal took center stage, unleashing a magnificent curling shot into the top corner to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead.
Yamal’s goal was more than just a scoreline changer; it marked his 50th goal in Spanish football. At 19 years and 49 days old, he became the youngest player to reach this milestone in the history of Spanish football, surpassing records previously held by stars such as Raul Gonzalez, Michel, and Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
Barcelona maintained their pressure after the break, and their third goal arrived in the 51st minute when Rayo defender Florian Lejeune inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Despite leading 3-1, the visiting team refused to give up. Camello reduced the deficit with his second goal in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick.
However, Raphinha was on hand to seal the result, scoring his second goal of the match in the 71st minute following a brilliant heel pass from Englishman Anthony Gordon. The Brazilian star now has five goals in three matches, topping the league’s scoring charts.
In the 90th minute, Yamal put the final touch on Barcelona’s night, scoring his second and the team’s fifth with a stunning strike from outside the box. He completed another brace, cementing his presence on a night he etched into history.
Barcelona’s German manager, Hansi Flick, said after the match: “I think we played really well in the first half. It was possible we could concede a goal, but our reaction was very good, and I was impressed by many things I saw in the first half.”
He added: “When you are leading 3-1, especially at home, you need to control the match much better. We have the quality to control the game and increase possession, but our team’s mentality and some players always tend to continue attacking.”
Flick also praised Lamine Yamal, stating: “Lamine always wants to improve, and I am very happy with him. The way he played football was amazing.”
