Mighty Yamal conquers Basque fortress, as Barca move four points clear of Madrid
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.03.26. | 07:12
The 18-year-old was the hero of the Catalans' triumph in Bilbao, scoring the vital winner in the 68th minute - 1-0
Unlike a number of their previous clashes in which the crowd saw many more goals and the Catalans usually demolished the Basques, Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona played one of the dullest games of the season.
Instead of beautiful moves and chances, the match was full of duels and midfield battles, but with little notable moments. In situations like that, the champion spirit prevails, and it’s obvious which side had it.
The hero of Barcelona’s vital victory, which moved them four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, was Lamine Yamal, who netted the key winner in the 68th minute.
Following the opener, Hansi Flick’s crew showed it could defend as well as attack, giving Bilbao no chance of a comeback and avoiding a 1-0 defeat.
A crucial win for the Catalans (©Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Even though clashes between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona usually brought fireworks, the opening period at San Mames was a genuine snoozefest.
The only notable moment occurred only 20 seconds into the game, when Joao Cancelo clumsily hit the bar of his own goal, nearly putting the rivals in front.
The following 45 minutes were full of fight in the midfield and tackles, but lacked the crucial element - chances and goals.
Three minutes before the break, Inaki Williams found the net, but had previously been caught in Barca's offside trap, while Ferran Torres' added-time heel strike went narrowly wide of the post. Therefore, the goalless first half was inevitable
The two teams' unrecognizable display continued after the break as well, as Oihan Sancet briefly woke up the crowd in the 58th minute, when Joan Garcia superbly denied his effort from inside the box.
Four minutes later, Hansi Flick realized the clock was ticking for his team, subbing in Raphinha and Robert Lewandwski for Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres, but the solution for all Barca's problems was on the pitch the whole time - Lamine Yamal!
In the 68th minute, Pedri made a terrific run toward Bilbao's box and spotted the 18-year-old all alone on the right side of the rivals' box. Afterward, everything was an easy finish for the Spanish forward, as he moved the ball inside and perfectly found the bottom-right corner of Unai Simon's goal, giving the Catalans a vital advantage.
Yamal's goal was enough to seal the deal for the Blaugrana and increase its edge ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table to four points. The title race is entering its final stages with 11 rounds to go, and Barcelona might have earned a crucial advantage, grabbing three points on the fierce away turf in Bilbao.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 27
Friday
Celta - Real Madrid 1-2 (1-1)
/Iglesias 25 - Tchouameni 11, Valverde 90+4/
Saturday
Osasuna - Mallorca 2-2 (0-1)
/Barja 89, Budimir 90+4 - Muriqi 35,61/
Levante - Girona 1-0 (0-0)
/Espi 50 - Roca 90+4/
Atletico Madrid - Real Sociedad 3-2 (1-1)
/Sorloth 5, Gonzalez 67, 81 - Soler 9, Oyarzabal 68/
Athletic Bilbao - Barcelona 0-1 (0-0)
/Yamal 68/
Sunday
16.00: (1.50) Villareal (4.55) Elche (6.20)
18.15: (2.80) Getafe (2.85) Betis (2.95)
20.30: (2.50) Sevilla (3.05) Rayo Vallecano (3.10)
23.00: (2.10) Valencia (3.15) Alaves (3.95)
Monday
23.00: (1.95) Espanyol (3.40) Oviedo (4.10)
***odds are subject to change***