16-year-old Yamal helps Barcelona fight back for 4-3 win at Villarreal

FRANCISCO DE BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — On Sunday in the Spanish league, Barcelona beat Villarreal 4-3 in a thrilling match that included a late-game heroics from teenaged Lamine Yamal.

The young attacker, who was just 16 at the time, assisted on Gavi Páez’s initial goal for Barcelona, struck the post twice, and was instrumental in Robert Lewandowski’s game-winning goal.

“Lamine had another great game,” Xavi Hernández, the coach, stated. He was really helpful to us, as he created several opportunities for us and recorded two assists. I was nervous before I began playing, but now I know I can trust our La Masia training school and our young players.

Xavi saw Yamal when he was playing for the club’s minor teams, and in April, when he was 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, he made his first appearance for Barcelona. He made history last weekend when he started for Barcelona at the age of 18 in a victory against Cadiz.

“Fortunately I don’t get too scared, I just go out there and play soccer, which I love to do,” Yamal remarked following his performance for Villarreal. I’m doing my best to capitalize on the opportunities our coach offers me.

On Sunday, the onslaught of goals began in the 12th minute when Yamal crossed the ball to the far post, where Gavi headed the ball in. Three minutes later, Frenkie de Jong scored again to make it 2-0.

Villarrreal responded with a vengeance. In the 26th minute, Juan Foyth scored from a corner kick by alex Baena. The home team took a 3-2 lead in the 40th minute when Alexander Sorloth knocked in a squared feed from Alfonso Pedraza.

Yamal, though, contributed to Barcelona’s comeback victory, which maintained them two points behind Real Madrid in the league standings.