Commentators were quick to praise Lamine Yamal’s “unbelievable assist” for Barcelona’s opening goal during their Champions League triumph over Benfica on Tuesday. However, the young Spanish forward admitted he was actually aiming for goal, not setting up Raphinha.
The 17-year-old skillfully navigated through the Benfica defence in the 11th minute, with Raphinha finishing the move with a close-range volley as the Catalan club secured a 3-1 victory on the night, and a 4-1 win on aggregate in the round of 16.
Experts were left astounded by Yamal’s impressive control and balance that led to the assist, but post-match, he revealed it was more by chance than design.
“I have to give credit to Raphinha because I intended to shoot and the pass ended up going to him,” Yamal stated during an interview with Movistar Plus.
The Spanish international also found the back of the net before the half-hour mark, making a run in from the right wing and unleashing a stunning left-footed strike from just outside the box, which curled into the top corner.
Yamal expressed that this goal was just as meaningful as his first for Spain, when he netted with a beautifully executed left-footer over a crowd of defenders in a 2-1 victory against France during the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
“I always attempt that shot, and today it worked out perfectly,” Yamal remarked.
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