After Granada’s winger Lamine Yamal became the league’s youngest striker at the age of 16 years and 87 days on Sunday, Barcelona’s substitute Sergi Roberto struck late to rescue a 2-2 draw.
After Granada attacker Bryan Zaragoza scored twice in the first half to give the home team a two-goal advantage, Barca got on the board with a close-range goal from Yamal just before halftime, and then Roberto scored in the 86th minute to rescue a point.
After nine games, Barcelona is in third place with 21 points, just one point behind Girona and three behind Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid is now in fourth place with 19 points and a game in hand.
With his goal against Celta Vigo in 2012 at the age of 16 years and 98 days, Yamal surpassed the previous Liga record holder, Fabrice Olinga of Malaga.
At the tender age of 16 years and 57 days, he made his international debut for Spain in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia. In August, he had established the record as the youngest debutant in an official match for Barca.
Barca, who had a rough first half, earned a point thanks to goals from Yamal and Roberto in the second, when they dominated the game and forced Granada goalkeeper Andre Ferreira into a series of saves.
Two further excellent opportunities to offset Granada’s advantage were missed by the skilled Zaragoza team in the first half.
In the 87th minute, after Roberto had tied the game for Barcelona by scoring on a first-time shot from a cross from Alejandro Balde, he unleashed a tremendous strike that smacked the post.
Barca’s players and manager Xavi Hernandez voiced their displeasure to the referee after the latter disallowed an extra-time goal scored by Joao Felix due to a contentious offside call.
Personally, I believe that we were shortchanged for our efforts. Xavi said to DAZN, “It’s obvious we can’t go out on the pitch like that.”
We waited our turn, and then we ruled. Possibly our most possession- and chance-filled-match ever.
Unfortunately, after two counterattacks, we were down 2-0 and had to fight back. Overall, I feel quite comfortable about things, although we did suffer a two-point setback.
