Real Oviedo’s coach, Guillermo Almada, praised Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, calling him a player from “another galaxy,” following Yamal’s remarkable goal during their LaLiga clash on Sunday, which Barcelona won 3-0 at Spotify Camp Nou.
The 18-year-old forward scored the third goal of the match with a breathtaking acrobatic shot just inside the box. Earlier, Dani Olmo and Raphinha had already given the Catalan team a two-goal advantage, allowing them to leapfrog Real Madrid and reclaim the top position in the league.
“We are talking about a player from another galaxy,” Almada said when discussing Yamal’s impressive 73rd-minute strike. “He possesses immense quality and shines during crucial moments in games. At such a young age, he’s already making a significant impact.” Yamal’s goal marked his 11th of the season and stood out in a match that occasionally struggled for rhythm, concluding amidst heavy rain and lightning.
However, Barça coach Hansi Flick emphasized the importance of Yamal’s contribution in the lead-up to the first goal, where his pressing was key to regaining possession, allowing Olmo to score his third goal since returning from a shoulder injury this month.
“For me, what Lamine did for the first goal was far more important,” Flick stated during the post-match press conference. “His pressing and ball recovery were crucial in opening the game and securing the three points. While everyone loves to see spectacular goals, I’m happy that he netted such a wonderful strike.”
Madrid had briefly taken the top spot in LaLiga after their win over Villarreal on Saturday, following Barcelona’s loss to Real Sociedad the previous weekend. Flick acknowledged the team’s performance against Oviedo wasn’t the most electrifying comeback after that defeat, pointing out the challenges of a demanding schedule.
“Oviedo had nothing to lose and played bravely, pressing us high, while we struggled early on,” Flick added. “The second half was more improved. We’re dealing with a tough schedule where we travel frequently and return late; it’s a reality. While professional football is demanding, I see the team giving their all, especially in the second half.”
Barcelona will now shift their focus to the Champions League, preparing to host Copenhagen at Camp Nou on Wednesday. A victory would significantly boost their chances of securing an automatic place in the round of 16.