In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, delivered a performance for the ages, inspiring his team to a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan.
Yamal’s Historic Performance
Celebrating his 100th professional appearance, Yamal played a pivotal role in the comeback after Barcelona fell behind 2-0. He scored a stunning goal, nearly added a second with a curling effort that struck the bar, and later produced a brilliant dummy assist to help set up Raphinha’s second goal. He hit the woodwork again in the dying moments, underlining his persistent threat throughout the game. At just 17 years and 291 days old, he became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final, surpassing the previous record set by Kylian Mbappé.
Praise from Coaches
Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi called Yamal “a phenomenon born every 50 years,” recognizing how difficult it was to contain the teenager. Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick was equally glowing in his praise, calling Yamal a “genius” and noting how he helped “wake the team up” after a slow start.
Statistical Milestones
Yamal’s current record stands at 22 goals and 33 assists in his first 100 appearances for Barcelona. For perspective, Lionel Messi had only one goal in his first nine appearances before turning 18, while Cristiano Ronaldo had five goals and four assists in 19 games at the same age.
Looking Ahead
The draw sets up an enticing second leg at San Siro, where both teams will be looking to secure a place in the final. With Yamal in top form, Barcelona fans will hope the teenager can deliver yet another magical performance.
