“Can become a special player”: 15-year-old sparks enthusiasm at Barça debut

“Can become a special player”
15-year-old sparks enthusiasm at Barça debut

4/30/2023 6:52 am

The Catalan youth department “La Masia” is legendary, now it is producing another super talent. Lamine Yamal makes his professional debut for FC Barcelona at just 15 years old. He almost scored his first goal just three minutes after coming on.

Former world and European champion Xavi knew what he was talking about. The now 43-year-old coach of FC Barcelona began his own great career in the legendary Catalan youth department “La Masia” – just like the 15-year-old Spaniard Lamine Yamal, who made his professional debut for Barça against cup winners Betis Sevilla . “He can become a very special player,” said Xavi after the 4-0 win.

Yamal, the youngest ever Barcelona debut in the Primera División, came on in the 83rd minute – for the just 18-year-old Gavi. “I told him to try something,” said Xavi. “And boy did he do that at 15, imagine that. He almost scored another goal and almost provided one.” After just three minutes on the pitch, Yamal almost made it 5-0. After a slightly inaccurate cross into the penalty area, he won the ball from his opponent Martin Montoya, moved in front of goal from the left, but failed in a one-on-one against Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva.

With the clear win against Sevilla, Barcelona consolidated their sovereign lead in La Liga. Germany international goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen kept a clean sheet for the 24th time this season, setting a club record. The latest embarrassment is ticked off. The Catalans had lost at Rayo Vallecano during the week (1-2), and Ter Stegen’s team went without a win in three of the previous four games.

Ex-Gladbacher Andreas Christensen (14th), former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski (36th) and Raphinha (39th) scored against Sevilla in the first half. Later, an own goal by Guido Rodriguez (82nd) ​​made the final score. However, Barca also had an easier game: Sevilla’s Edgar Gonzales, who came on as a substitute in the 12th minute, saw yellow-red before the break (33rd).

Benzemas scores hat trick

Real Madrid also tried to make amends after the bankruptcy in Girona (2: 4) four days ago. The Champions League winner beat promoted UD Almeria 4-2 (3-1). The gap between the royals and leaders Barcelona is eleven points.

With DFB defense chief Antonio Rüdiger and ex-national player Toni Kroos in the starting XI, the royals combined happily forward even without the injured Luka Modric. Captain Karim Benzema (5th/17th/42nd, penalty kick) set the course for victory early on with a hat trick, especially the preparatory work for the second goal caused a murmur in the audience: Rodrygo danced lightly past opponent Samuel Costa on the sideline and served the French in an exemplary manner. It was Rodrygo (47th) who scored Real’s fourth goal with a long-range shot. Lazaro (45+1) and substitute Lucas Robertone (61) scored for the guests.