Yamal Nets Penalty but Suffers Injury as Barcelona Reclaims La Liga Summit with Victory over Celta
Yamal Nets Penalty but Suffers Injury as Barcelona Reclaims La Liga Summit with Victory over Celta
Barcelona extended their grip on La Liga's top position by defeating Celta Vigo on Wednesday, though the triumph came at a cost when young star Lamine Yamal sustained an injury while scoring from the penalty spot.
The 18-year-old Spanish international converted a low penalty in the 40th minute to give the hosts the lead but immediately signalled to the bench that something was wrong. After being fouled by Celta defender Yoel Lago while attempting to evade him in the box, Yamal struck the ball past goalkeeper Ionut Radu before collapsing to the ground as teammates rushed to celebrate. He appeared to grip the back of his left leg in discomfort.
Medical staff attended to Yamal before he departed the pitch under his own power, briefly consulting with coach Hansi Flick at the sidelines before heading toward the locker room tunnel.
Victory Restores Nine-Point Lead
The narrow win proves crucial in Barcelona's title chase, restoring their nine-point advantage over fierce rivals Real Madrid, who secured a 2-1 victory against Alaves on Tuesday. Barcelona face Getafe on Saturday, while Real Madrid take on Real Betis on Friday. The two sides are scheduled to meet in a Clasico on May 10, with six matches remaining in the season.
Barcelona's performance lacked their customary attacking intensity following their Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Atletico Madrid last week. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia made important saves early on from Pablo Duran and Ferran Jutgla at Camp Nou.
Ferran Torres appeared to seal Barcelona's victory with a volleyed finish from Pedri's pass in the second half, only to see the goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision against the Spanish forward. Former Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso struck a free-kick into the wall as the hosts preserved their lead.
Concerns Over Yamal's Fitness
Yamal's injury raises concerns ahead of Spain's World Cup campaign in June, where he is set to make his tournament debut. Midfielder Pedri expressed hope that the injury would prove minor.
"I hope [Lamine's injury] is for as few weeks as possible. Tomorrow he'll be tested, and we'll see what it is. I wish him the best of luck, and he should stay calm. He's young and will surely recover well,"Pedri told Movistar.
The match encountered a 15-minute delay due to a medical incident in the stands. When play resumed, Roony Bardghji had replaced Yamal on the pitch.
Title Race Tightens
In other La Liga action, third-placed Villarreal sit 12 points behind Real Madrid but hold a game in hand, travelling to Real Oviedo on Thursday. Champions League semifinalists Atletico Madrid suffered a 3-2 defeat to 16th-placed Elche. Atletico, preparing to face Arsenal in their Champions League last-four first leg on April 29, maintain an eight-point cushion over Real Betis for the fourth and final Champions League qualifying position, though they trail Villarreal by four points.