Barcelona’s within the UEFA Champions League spherical of 16 second leg tie had no scarcity of speaking factors.
For the whole thing of the primary half, the Blaugrana struggled to maintain their opponent out of the purpose.
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After which got here the second that shifted the whole lot.
Simply earlier than halftime, with rigidity constructing, Lamine Yamal stepped up and transformed from the penalty spot, a purpose that reset the temper.
In the end, the second half was a totally completely different story, as Barcelona exploded.
Raphinha was formally named the Man of the Match, and on paper, it makes good sense. Two targets, two assists, and the essential motion to win the penalty that tilted the sport.
However in case you watched carefully, Fermin Lopez was simply as influential.
Nonetheless, the evening finally belonged to Lamine Yamal.
The actual Lamine stood up
The 18-year-old delivered one other efficiency that felt past his age.
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Sure, there was a mistake. His backheel in a harmful space led to Newcastle’s second purpose, however what adopted mattered extra.
Lamine Yamal was unmatched. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
The actual shift got here when Yamal drifted away from the wing and into central areas. That’s the place the sport opened up for him… and for Barcelona.
On the opening purpose, his fast flip close to the midway line broke Newcastle’s form and launched the assault that ended with Fermin and Raphinha combining to attain.
Later, working once more by way of the center, he carried the ball ahead with full freedom earlier than establishing Lewandowski for a easy end.
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Two moments. Two targets created nearly effortlessly.
And that’s the important thing takeaway.
When Yamal stays huge, he typically faces double marking, limiting his choices. However when he strikes inside, the whole lot adjustments.
He sees extra of the ball, has extra angles to work with, and turns into far more durable to comprise.
Curiously, it’s a path many nice gamers have taken earlier than, together with a sure Lionel Messi.