Yamal struck twice as La Liga leaders Barcelona stormed past Girona 4-1 on Sunday. The teenage sensation led the charge as Hansi Flick’s side secured their fifth consecutive victory, exacting revenge on Girona after two losses in last season’s Catalan derby.
Barcelona’s first-half dominance, spearheaded by Yamal’s brace, set the stage for a commanding performance. After the break, Dani Olmo and Pedri added goals to ensure a resounding win. Girona, last season’s surprise third-place finishers, managed a late consolation through Cristhian Stuani.
Yamal’s brilliance, coupled with Barcelona’s newfound energy under Flick, was evident from the start. The winger, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, broke the deadlock by stealing the ball from David Lopez and calmly slotting past Girona’s goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, in the 30th minute.
Moments before halftime, Yamal struck again. A deflected free-kick landed at his feet, and the youngster made no mistake, guiding the ball into the net from the edge of the box. Girona had brief hope when Bryan Gil tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but Barcelona’s defense held firm. A potential penalty for Girona was later overturned by VAR after the ball deflected onto Inigo Martinez’s arm from Alejandro Balde.
Barcelona extended their lead early in the second half. Dani Olmo, fresh from RB Leipzig, scored his third goal in three matches with a tight-angled shot, leaving Gazzaniga helpless. Robert Lewandowski came close to adding to the tally but was denied by the Girona keeper.
The fourth goal arrived courtesy of Pedri, who was brilliantly set up by Marc Casado. Pedri coolly sidestepped Gazzaniga before finishing with ease. Girona managed a consolation goal when Stuani scored from close range, but it was too little, too late.
Ferran Torres was sent off for a high tackle on Yaser Asprilla, but that didn’t spoil Barcelona’s day. They maintained their perfect start to the season, with five wins in five matches.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad moved them into second place, trailing Barcelona by four points. Later on Sunday, Atletico Madrid faced Valencia, and Athletic Bilbao visited Las Palmas, continuing a thrilling La Liga campaign.
