FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal applauded at Mestalla

FC Barcelona won their La Liga 2024-25 campaign opener after edging past hosts Valencia CF. The Blaugrana might have played below their standards, but they managed to secure full points and it was one teenager who stood above everyone in the game. Yes, we are talking about the sensational Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

In what was Hansi Flick’s first game as a manager in La Liga, FC Barcelona pipped past Valencia CF with two goals from star striker Robert Lewandowski to secure three points after facing a goal from the hosts in the 44th minute. In this game, the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal provided a gifted assist to Lewandowski to help the Cules equalize just before the whistle for the first half.

Yamal played till the 86th minute of the game before being subbed for new arrival Pau Victor. On his way out of the field, Yamal received a cheerful standing ovation from the spectators at Mestalla. The loud applause must have motivated the youngster after the tragic incident which happened to his father, who was stabbed multiple times in a car park in Spain a few days ago.

When asked about Mestalla’s cheers for Yamal, head coach Hansi Flick expressed his views. The German tactical mastermind said that Lamine Yamal is a fantastic player. He further added that he wasn’t surprised at how Mestalla applauded the youngster as Yamal’s a “great player” and great players get such warm applause. 

The manager’s words reflected admiration for the youngster. It reflects that Yamal has impressed the coach with his quality and dedication, and he is expected to be an integral part of Flick’s plans. FC Barcelona will play next against Athletic Club Bilbao on August 24, at home.