Lamine Yamal did it again. The Spanish-Moroccan right winger responded once again with a hierarchy worthy of the best players in the world in a context of maximum demand. The occasion was no small matter: a UEFA Nations League 'semi' against France, his favorite victim, and with a heated prelude, in which he was questioned whether this duel between him and Ousmane Dembélé could pave the way for the future Ballon d'Or 2025.
The Rocafonda native accepted the challenge and responded with a brace and a performance to remember, which earned him the 'MVP' award for the match. At just 17 years old, he once again showed himself to be a 'veteran' of the highest caliber. Every time the stage rises, the '19' appears. And he doesn't just show up: he makes a difference.
Initiator of Spain's first goal
In the first goal of the Spanish team, Lamine was key. Although the assist is not officially credited to him, he was the one who started the play from the right wing. Despite being marked by two opponents, he delivered a low pass to the heart of the area. There, Oyarzabal appeared, who after withstanding the siege of two defenders with his back to goal, assisted Nico Williams for the 1-0 with a thunderous shot.
Unfortunately, the spectacular play in which he intervened with a 'chipped' ball into the area, which found Zubimendi and he extended it with a header for Huijsen to score with a volley, was disallowed. Even so, he once again left details of genius.
Penalty provoked and goal with cold blood
Lamine was not satisfied with a symbolic participation. In the 54th minute, he demonstrated his cunning by scratching a penalty inside the area after a reckless foul by Adrien Rabiot, yes, the same one he had already exposed in a previous Euro Cup.
The Azulgrana jewel took charge of the shot. With coldness and naturalness, he beat Mike Maignan with a soft pass into the net, completely deceiving the goalkeeper of AC Milan. It was his first penalty converted in the senior category.
A great goal to seal the deal and another exhibition to remember
Even more spectacular was his second goal. After a pass into space from Pedro Porro, Lamine accelerated and won a one-on-one against Clément Lenglet. Despite shooting almost falling, he managed a shot that, although it was deflected by Maignan, ended up inside the goal. That goal sealed the victory (5-4) and ended up being decisive for the pass to the final.
France, his favorite victim
Another 'masterclass' from Lamine Yamal against France, the second of his young career. He has already scored three goals against them, and on two occasions he has been a key player in eliminating them. The French team gives the feeling that he can bring out his best version, perhaps because of the competitive atmosphere that has been forged when he has to face them.
LAMINE YAMAL VS. FRANCE (SEMIFINALS - UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE)
- Minutes played: 90'
- Goals: 2
- Shots on goal: 2
- Blocked shots: 3
- Dribbles: 2/3
- Penalty provoked: 1
- Accurate passes: 24/29 (83%)
- Key passes: 3
- Crosses (successful): 1/1
- Long passes: 2/4
- Clear chances created: 1
- Duels on the ground: 10/12
- Fouls committed: 1
- Fouls received: 4
- Interceptions: 1
- Tackles made: 4
A memorable match in which Lamine Yamal made a statement and demonstrated, before his competitors for the Ballon d'Or 2025 —two of them present in this match, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, who did not contribute too much to their cause— that his candidacy is not based, far from it, on rumors. He, as he said in the mixed zone after the match: "He likes to talk on the field, which is what I have done", he complied and with honors.
Now, heading to one more final with Spain, he has the opportunity to add a collective award to his showcases and continue to expand a palmares that, in this 2024/25 season, is already being memorable.