Oviedo manager describes Lamine Yamal’s goal as being from ‘another galaxy’
Real Oviedo manager Guillermo Almada described Lamine Yamal as a player from “another galaxy” following the Barcelona forward’s remarkable goal during Sunday’s LaLiga clash between the two teams.
Yamal, aged 18, netted the third goal of the match with an impressive acrobatic shot from just inside the penalty area as Barça secured a 3-0 victory at Spotify Camp Nou.
Dani Olmo and Raphinha had previously contributed to the Catalan team’s two-goal advantage, allowing them to surpass Real Madrid and reclaim the top position in the standings.
“We are discussing a player from another galaxy,” Almada remarked when asked to assess Yamal’s strike in the 73rd minute.
“He possesses immense quality and performs in crucial moments during matches. He is already a star who, despite his youth, can influence the outcome of games.”
Yamal’s 11th goal of the season was the standout moment in a match that occasionally struggled to find rhythm and concluded amidst heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.
However, Barça coach Hansi Flick expressed that he valued the teenager’s contribution to the first goal more, highlighting how his pressing led to the ball recovery that allowed Olmo to score for the third time since his return from a shoulder injury this month.
“For me, what Lamine did for the first goal was far more significant,” Flick stated in the post-match press conference.
“The manner in which he pressed and recovered the ball leading to that goal is what we aim for. This was crucial in unlocking the game and securing the three points.
“To me, it was more vital than the third goal. But, naturally, everyone enjoys witnessing the goal he scored in football, and I am pleased that he achieved such a goal.”
Madrid’s victory over Villarreal on Saturday had briefly placed them at the top of LaLiga after Barça’s defeat to Real Sociedad the previous weekend.
Flick acknowledged that the win against Oviedo was not a remarkable return to form following that loss, noting the challenges his team faces in maintaining peak performance amid a demanding schedule.
“Oviedo had nothing to lose,” he added. “They were courageous, pressed high, and we did not perform at our best level—at least in the first half.
“The second half was an improvement. We have consecutive matches, extensive travel, returning late at night; this is the reality. There are nearly no days off. This is something that must also be considered.
“Yes, it’s professional football, it’s normal, it’s their job, but I can see the team gives their all, particularly in the second half.”
Barça now shifts their focus to the Champions League, preparing to host Copenhagen at Camp Nou on Wednesday, knowing that a victory would significantly enhance their chances of securing an automatic place in the round of 16.
