Lamine Yamal described his dribble that led to Anthony Gordon‘s goal against Galatasaray as an “almost-rabona” as Barcelona won 4-1 in the Champions League game.
Yamal, 19, did not score in the victory in Istanbul, but he produced a stunning second-half display. He set up Fermín López with a pinpoint cross before creating the chance for Gordon, the England international.
The teenager shaped to play a rabona, which tricked the defender, but he instead knocked the ball towards the byline. A small ricochet helped him, but he reacted quickly to drive inside and then assisted Gordon.
“I don’t know what to call it, it was an almost-rabona dribble,” Yamal told Movistar after the game as he watched a replay of the goal.
“It came off well to set up Gordon, that’s the main thing, that it was effective at the end of the day.”
In a separate interview with CBS, Yamal told former Barça forward Thierry Henry that he is always looking for new ways to create space.
“Recently, I have noticed that a lot of opponents, whenever I reach the byline, go to ground, so I saw the opportunity, went for it and it came off,” he added.
“I always try to faint to create space. If you can create a bit of space that way, it gives us [attackers] life. It was nice, but also effective, so I am very happy.”
Flick Praises Yamal’s Influence
In 10 appearances for Barça this season, Yamal has scored eight goals and provided nine assists.
Barça coach Hansi Flick credited him with “changing the game” against Galatasaray, where the Spanish champions recovered from going behind to win convincingly.
“In the second half he was fantastic, how he dominated the game, the last pass … It’s unbelievable what he’s doing,” Flick said in the post-game news conference.
Barça Eye a Historic Season
The victory in Türkiye was Barça’s 10th straight win at the start of the current campaign, eight in LaLiga and two in the Champions League. During that run, they have scored a remarkable 43 goals.
Yamal said the team is laying the foundations for a potentially historic season. When CBS asked whether Barça believe a treble of LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey is possible this season, he answered without hesitation.
“Always,” he said. “We’re Barcelona, we’re the best team in the world.”
That claim will be tested over the next week. Barça travel to third-placed Real Betis in LaLiga on Saturday, face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next Tuesday, and then host Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season the following Sunday.