FC Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was the catalyst as the Catalan giants dispatched Benfica 3-1 to book their spot in the Champions League(UCL) quarterfinals.
The 17-year-old prodigy provided a pinpoint assist for inform Raphinha to break the deadlock before unleashing a breathtaking strike to restore Barca’s lead.
Lamine Yamal’s exceptional vision picked out Raphinha with a sumptuous finesse pass in the opening exchanges, releasing the Brazilian with a delicate touch that allowed him to unleash a pinpoint volley, expertly finding the back of the net to hand Barcelona an early ascendancy.
Nicolas Otamendi’s sublime header had momentarily levelled the scores, but Benfica’s aspirations were ultimately extinguished by Yamal’s brilliance.
Yamal collected the ball on the outskirts of the penalty area and, with a seamless blend of skill and precision, expertly curled a majestic shot into the bottom left corner, leaving the goalkeeper utterly helpless and with no chance of making a save.
Raphinha sealed the victory with a clinical finish into the bottom corner, securing a 3-1 victory and 4-1 aggregate.
Yamal’s goal and assist on Tuesday night bring his tally to 28 goal contributions across all competitions this season. However, it’s not merely the statistics that are impressive – it’s the quality of his play that’s truly remarkable.
The Spanish sensation has been a revelation since bursting onto the scene with his professional debut at just 15 years and 291 days old. His scintillating displays during the 2024 summer propelled Spain to their fourth European Cup triumph. His vision, technique, clinical finishing, and decision-making at such a tender age are truly mind-boggling.
The La Masia graduate has racked up an impressive 22 goal contributions (9 goals, 13 assists) in all competitions for the La Liga giants he is fast approaching 60 goals and assists for club and country, an astonishing feat for someone of his tender age.
The 2024 Golden Boy winner’s impact against Benfica also etched his name into the record books. At 17 years and 241 days, he became the youngest player to both score and assist in a Champions League match.
Yamal’s scintillating display might overshadowed Raphinha’s impressive double, which took his Champions League tally to 16 goal contributions this season. Only Lionel Messi (14 goals, five assists in 2011-12) has had a hand in more goals in a single Champions League season for Barcelona than Raphinha this term (11 goals, five assists).
The victory propelled Barcelona into the quarterfinals, making them the first club to progress under the new format.
Hansi Flick’s side will face the winner of Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarterfinals as they bid to claim their first Champions League title since 2015 and sixth overall.
The post Lamine Yamal stars as FC Barcelona outclass Benfica to reach Champions League quarterfinals first appeared on 3News.
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