Barcelona’s next generation officially came of age on Thursday night as 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal fired his team to a decisive 2-0 win over city rivals Espanyol, securing their 28th La Liga title.
The teenager curled a stunning strike into the top corner just after half-time and later assisted Fermín López’s stoppage-time goal to cap off a commanding performance at the RCDE Stadium.
The win ensured that Barcelona cannot be caught by Real Madrid, sitting seven points clear with two games left, and confirmed a clean sweep of domestic trophies for new manager Hansi Flick.
Having already claimed the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, the league title cements a remarkable debut season for the German coach, whose side also reached the Champions League semi-finals.
The match, however, wasn’t without drama off the pitch. A disturbing incident before kickoff saw a car drive into a group of fans outside the stadium, leaving 13 injured and four hospitalized, though none are in serious condition.
The game was briefly paused as news spread through the crowd, before resuming in an emotionally charged atmosphere.
On the field, Espanyol had their chances through Urko Gonzalez and Javi Puado, but were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from Yamal and a late red card to defender Leandro Cabrera.
Cabrera was dismissed in the 80th minute after striking Yamal off the ball, a decision that all but sealed the fate of the hosts in the fiery Catalan derby.
Barcelona’s title celebration wasn’t warmly received by their hosts. Just moments after the final whistle, RCDE ground staff turned on the sprinklers in an apparent attempt to curtail Barca’s on-pitch celebrations.
Two years ago, similar scenes unfolded as Espanyol fans stormed the pitch following a title win by their rivals on the same ground.
Yamal’s breakout season has seen him become not just Barcelona’s talisman, but a generational figure in world football. With 24 goals and 28 assists already in his young career, he has surpassed records set by legends at his age, including Lionel Messi.
