As the LaLiga 2025/26 season heats up, Barcelona continue to set the pace at the summit. Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium saw the Catalan giants overpower Mallorca 3-0, with headlining moments courtesy of prodigy Lamine Yamal and the ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski.
Turning point: missed chances, ruthless finish
Early drama unfolded as Mallorca threatened to grab the spotlight. In the 17th minute, Jan Virgili's teasing cross found Vedat Muriqi, whose outstretched effort was heartbreakingly wide. Mallorca’s missed opportunity became the story of their evening: close, but never quite enough.
Barcelona took a while to find their rhythm, with newcomer Marcus Rashford breathing danger into every run. Rashford sliced inside and put a shot just past the post, causing a hush before the storm. The breakthrough came as Rashford, undeterred, fired a shot that ricocheted off Dani Olmo, falling perfectly for Lewandowski. The captain didn’t hesitate—slotting calmly past Leo Roman and igniting the stadium.
Moments of magic: Yamal’s wonder strike elevates the crowd
Second halves demand heroes, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is quickly making that his trademark. After missing a golden chance earlier, the 18-year-old seized his moment when a pass from Olmo found him 25 yards out. Without hesitation, Yamal unleashed a curling low drive into the bottom-right corner, sending fans into raptures.
This was a goal that oozed confidence and class, highlighting why Yamal is one of Europe’s hottest young talents. Not just a scorer, but a game-changer.
While 2-0 might have sufficed, substitute Marc Bernal wanted more. In the 83rd minute, he burst into the box, outwitted Pablo Maffeo, and fired a stunner at the near post. For Mallorca, the late goal was a final blow, underlining the gulf in quality once Barcelona were in full flow.
Record breakers: stats that make history
Barcelona’s win wasn’t just about three points. It was about rewriting the record books:
- The Blaugrana now have three players with 10+ goals in LaLiga this season: Ferran Torres (12), Lewandowski (10), and Lamine Yamal (10)—an achievement only matched by Bayern Munich so far in Europe’s top leagues.
- Robert Lewandowski has racked up double figures for goals in 15 consecutive seasons among Europe’s elite—a feat equaled only by Lionel Messi and surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo's 16.
- Lamine Yamal, with his 24th LaLiga goal, becomes the top scorer under 19 in the 21st century across Europe’s top five leagues, eclipsing even Kylian Mbappé at this tender age.