Barcelona climbed to the top of LaLiga after a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, with returning teenager Lamine Yamal providing the decisive assist for Robert Lewandowski’s winner.
The 18-year-old, making his first appearance since aggravating a groin problem on international duty earlier this month, entered the contest at half-time and wasted little time in making his mark.
After a dazzling run, he clipped the ball onto Lewandowski’s head, allowing the striker to finish clinically and complete Barca’s turnaround.
Earlier, the visitors were forced to fight back after Jules Kounde’s lapse in possession allowed Alvaro Odriozola to convert Ander Barrenetxea’s cross in the 31st minute. Kounde atoned just before the interval, powering in Marcus Rashford’s corner to level the score.
Manager Hansi Flick’s introduction of Yamal and Dani Olmo after the break proved decisive. Yamal almost capped his return with a goal of his own, finishing sharply past Alex Remiro, only to be denied by an offside flag. Both sides struck the woodwork in a frantic finale, with Takefusa Kubo almost equalising before Lewandowski rattled the crossbar seconds later.
The win came just 24 hours after Real Madrid’s 5-2 collapse against Atlético, allowing Barcelona to leapfrog their rivals into first place.
Yamal’s impact was immediate, underlining his importance to Flick’s side. He now has 24 assists for Barcelona since the start of last season, a tally matched only by teammate Raphinha across Europe’s top five leagues. The only player to provide more in that period is Mohamed Salah (26).
Rashford also impressed, his assist for Kounde’s header taking him to five goal involvements this season, the joint-highest in Barcelona’s squad alongside Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
