Lamine Yamal just can’t stop stealing the show on the biggest stage, as he became the youngest player on record to score and assist in a Champions League game on Tuesday night. The 17-year-old scored in Barcelona’s 3-1 defeat of Benfica that put them through to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory.
Yamal sparkled early on, too, setting up Raphinha with a delightful cross and framing a volley in the goal. He then doubled the lead with a beautiful effort from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the far corner past the helpless goalkeeper.
Yamal is proving to be one of football’s brightest young stars, with 28 goal contributions this season. He has earned praise from teammates and coaches alike for his amazing confidence and skill.
“Lamine’s goal was sensational,” Raphinha said. “It demonstrates who he is, a player with fantastic quality.”
The Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also praised the teenager, saying: “He hadn’t scored in a month, so he’s happy. That was a big goal for us, and we’re all happy for him.”
Barcelona now know that their quarter-final opponents will be either Borussia Dortmund or Lille.
