Yamal’s goalkeeper kept Real Madrid four points clear at the top of the La Liga standings.
Posted on: March 7, 2026
Lamine Yamal once again showed his match-making ability as the Barcelona teenager broke the deadlock with a spectacular strike to secure a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
Saturday’s match was wide open at the San Mamés Stadium, with Athletic’s unconventional attack tilting the game in favor of Yamal at the top of La Liga.
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The 18-year-old Spanish striker received a pass from Pedri González and finally had space to work on the right-hand side of the penalty area, widening the angle of his shot with one touch before curling a left-footed shot onto the top edge of the far post.
His 68th-minute winner was his 19th goal in all competitions this season to move Hansi Flick’s side four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and successfully defend their domestic title.
Last weekend, Yamal scored his first hat-trick in La Liga in a 4-1 win over Villarreal.
The Basque club’s hard-fought away win on Saturday came four days after Barcelona lost to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Flick has rested some of his regular starters ahead of Barcelona’s trip to Newcastle on Tuesday to open their Champions League last-16 tie. Pedri, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez remained on the bench until the final 30 minutes. Marcus Rashford, Marc Bernal and Marc Casada took his place as starters.
Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo also started in place of injured full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.
Athletic created the better chances but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who produced a series of excellent saves to keep the visitors level and underline their growing importance this season.
Flick brought on Raphinha, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski midway through the second half, and the breakthrough came in the 68th minute.
Pedri sent Yamal into the box on a run from the right flank and the 18-year-old silenced the home crowd with a left-footed shot into the top corner.
Barcelona took first place with 67 points, while Athletic ranked 9th with 35 points.
