In an exhilarating LaLiga match on Sunday, Barcelona managed to salvage a point with a 2-2 draw against Granada. The match witnessed the emergence of Lamine Yamal as LaLiga’s youngest goalscorer at the tender age of 16 years and 87 days. While Joao Felix initially seemed to have put Barca ahead in second-half stoppage time, VAR ruled Ferran Torres offside on the cross into the area, disallowing the goal. Despite the setback, Yamal’s goal just before the break brought Barcelona back into the game after Granada forward Bryan Zaragoza had netted twice, giving the hosts a two-goal lead.
With this draw, Barcelona currently sits in the third position on the LaLiga table with 21 points after nine games. They are just one point behind Girona and three adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid follows closely in fourth place with 19 points and a game in hand. While Barcelona’s position in the top half of the table is favorable, they will need to improve their performance to challenge for the top spot.
Lamine Yamal’s goal not only helped Barcelona salvage a point but also set new records. With his strike, Yamal broke the Liga record held by Fabrice Olinga from Malaga, who became the youngest goalscorer in LaLiga history against Celta Vigo in 2012 at the age of 16 years and 98 days. Prior to this, Yamal had already made headlines by becoming Barcelona’s youngest debutant in an official match and the youngest-ever Spanish international goalscorer at 16 years and 57 days when he made his debut in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia in September. Despite his impressive performance, Yamal was replaced in the 76th minute after requesting to be substituted.
The draw against Granada came at a cost for Barcelona as they suffered further injuries. Jules Kounde, who had been performing well, had to leave the match early due to an injury. Additionally, striker Robert Lewandowski, who had been instrumental in their Champions League victory over Porto, sustained a sprained ankle and was substituted. The team will need to assess the severity of these injuries and plan accordingly.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his disappointment at not securing a victory despite their dominant performance in the second half. Xavi emphasized their mistakes, particularly the early goal conceded and the subsequent counter-attack that led to Granada’s second goal. He acknowledged Barcelona’s patience and dominance in the match but believed a point was insufficient. While Xavi stated that both Yamal and Kounde seemed to be okay after their injuries, further evaluation would be conducted in the days to come.
The thrilling encounter witnessed multiple missed opportunities, with both sides creating chances. Granada’s Zaragoza, in particular, wasted at least two excellent chances to extend Granada’s lead on the counter-attack. In the dying minutes of the game, Zaragoza struck a thunderous effort against the post, only for Sergi Roberto to equalize for Barcelona moments later. The disallowed goal by Joao Felix due to a controversial offside decision further added to the excitement and frustration of both the players and Xavi.
Barcelona’s draw against Granada showcased their resilience as they fought back from a two-goal deficit. Lamine Yamal’s historic goal and the late equalizer by Sergi Roberto salvaged a point for Barcelona. However, the team must address their mistakes and injuries if they aspire to challenge for the top position in LaLiga.
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