Barcelona, Spain, 1 September (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Lamine Yamal produced a decisive two-goal display as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at Spotify Camp Nou, reaching 50 senior goals for the club before adding another late in the match. The performance strengthened the case that Lamine Yamal form is beginning to return to the level that has made the winger one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players.
Rayo made the better start and took the lead through Sergio Camello in the 12th minute. Barcelona responded quickly, with Raphinha equalising seven minutes later before Yamal completed the turnaround in the 21st minute with a curling finish into the top corner.
That strike was Yamal’s 50th senior goal for Barcelona. The teenager later scored again in the 90th minute after being supplied by Karim Adeyemi, completing his brace and Barcelona’s convincing victory.
Why Yamal’s Barcelona record matters
Yamal’s performance carried added significance because he had not scored in Barcelona’s opening two league matches. He was still dangerous, notably hitting the crossbar during the 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, but the Rayo match provided the finishing touch that had been missing.
Barcelona confirmed that the goal was the 50th of Yamal’s first-team career for the club, another major milestone for a player who has accumulated senior records at an unusually young age. His first Barcelona goal came against Granada in October 2023, illustrating the speed of his rise from academy prospect to established first-team attacker.
Manager Hansi Flick praised Yamal after the match and said: “I’m very happy with him and with the way he plays.” He also highlighted Barcelona’s attacking qualities, saying: “We have a lot of pace, and that’s always a good thing.”
The brace therefore offers more than an individual record. It suggests Lamine Yamal form is improving at a time when Barcelona are attempting to build early momentum in their defence of the Spanish league title.
What Yamal and Barcelona face next
Barcelona have won all three of their opening La Liga matches, taking nine points after victories over Elche, Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano. The latest result put Flick’s side at the top end of the standings while maintaining their perfect start to the campaign.
Raphinha also scored twice against Rayo, highlighting the range of attacking options available to Flick as Barcelona prepare for domestic and European fixtures.
One strong performance does not establish that Yamal has fully returned to his best level. However, two goals, a landmark 50th strike and another influential attacking display provide clear evidence that Lamine Yamal form is moving in a positive direction as Barcelona’s season gathers pace.
