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Lamine Yamal’s goal & assist drought extends to 8 games but Barcelona win
28th August, 2026 09:09 AM
Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was the main talking point of Thursday’s La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao, as the Blaugrana battled to a 2-0 win at Camp Nou on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Despite dominating with his signature one-on-one dribbling, the young attacker endured a frustrating night, missing a clear opportunity and facing criticism for selfish decision-making.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez provided the goal at either half to see Hansi Flick’s charges stay in the winning ways.
The 19-year-old is also at the centre of a potential dismissal after clattering on an opponent’s ankle during the encounter
Missed chance
Though he remained at the heart of Barca’s attack—highlighted by a cheeky nutmeg on Johaneko Louis-Jean around the hour mark—his biggest moment came just before halftime. Clean through on goal with only Unai Simón to beat, Yamal saw his close-range effort saved as his Spanish national teammate made himself big to deny him.
Yamal’s dry patch
The match marked Yamal’s eighth consecutive appearance for club and country without registering a goal or an assist, the longest dry spell of his career. The 19-year-old has managed just one goal in his last 10 matches, with his strike against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup standing as his most recent goal contribution.
Since that match, he went scoreless through Spain’s final six World Cup fixtures en route to their victory over Argentina in the United States, and he failed to record a goal or assist in Barcelona’s 5-0 season-opening win over Elche last week.
Despite the drought, the numbers still highlight his impact: Yamal remains the only player across Europe’s top five leagues to record over 100 chances created and 75 successful take-ons this calendar year.
In a rare showing of post-match sportsmanship, the teenager walked over to congratulate Simón on his performance after the final whistle.
Speaking on Yamal’s performance after the match, Barcelona’s new midfielder Rodri Cascante offered words of encouragement for the youngster.
“Lamine Yamal is amazing. He went through a period where he might have been a bit frustrated, but we tried to lift his spirits, and today we saw the best version of Lamine. Even if he could not score, I am happy because that is what we need from him. The goals will come because the talent is there,” the former Manchester City midfielder observed.
