Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal propelled Barcelona to a resounding 4-1 victory over Girona on Sunday, extending the Catalan giants’ perfect start to the La Liga season.
Yamal, who led Spain to Euro 2024 glory, opened the scoring with a clinical finish after dispossessing David Lopez. He doubled his tally before halftime with a composed strike from the edge of the box.
Dani Olmo extended Barcelona’s lead early in the second half with a superb goal from a tight angle. Pedri Gonzalez added the fourth, coolly slotting home after being played through by Marc Casado.
Girona’s consolation came from former Espanyol striker Cristhian Stuani, who finished from close range. However, Barcelona’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with Robert Lewandowski and Yamal coming close on several occasions.
The victory avenges two humiliating defeats to Girona last season and marks a significant step forward for Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. The German tactician has instilled a renewed sense of momentum and belief in the team.
“We had to start (the season) well,” said Pedri. “The coach told us that from the first game we should push, that the league is won above all in these first games.”
Girona, who lost several key players in the summer, are still rebuilding under coach Michel Sanchez. They will now turn their attention to their historic Champions League debut away at Paris Saint-Germain.
“We have to try and forget about it as quickly as possible,” said Stuani. “This week we have a very special game, we have to face that with as much excitement as possible because for us it’s an historic match.”
