Lamine Yamal scored the goal that clinched a domestic treble for Barcelona and revealed a bit about his character during the celebrations.
Barcelona beat city rivals Espanyol to confirm themselves as La Liga winners at RCDE Stadium for the second time in three seasons.
In 2023, Xavi's Barca won 4-2 at the home of Espanyol and gathered in the centre circle to celebrate.
The home supporters reacted angrily. Some entered the pitch and the previously jubilant Barcelona players were chased down the tunnel before an ugly verbal confrontation ensued.
Advert
Yamal and Barcelona defeated ten-man Espanyol on Thursday to put an end to Real Madrid's title hopes and head coach Hansi Flick was clear that he didn't want a repeat of the scenes that took place at the stadium two years ago.
Flick mostly got his wish and it was 17-year-old Yamal, a player now well and truly with the world at his feet, who led the way.
"Hansi Flick demanded the players to not celebrate on the Espanyol pitch," posted Barca Universal on X, formerly Twitter.
"Only Lamine Yamal followed his orders. The rest of the squad continued their celebrations after the final whistle."
Another fan account clarified: "They all followed, just that there was a fight on the pitch which kept them."
"Na Lamine Yamal definitely needed the toilet," joked one fan.
"We're about to see a completely new 11 in the next game... If Flick tells you something you listen," predicted another user.
Yamal was the star man yet again as Barcelona won 2-0 on their rivals' turf to secure the title.
He put the Blaugrana in front with yet another outstanding solo goal early in the second half before Leandro Cabrera was sent off for the home team.
The teenager has enjoyed a phenomenal season, capping it off with eight goals and 13 assists in 33 La Liga appearances, a significant improvement on last season on both counts.
Flick has now won the league title in two countries, adding the Spanish championship to a pair of Bundesliga wins with Bayern Munich.
He won the treble with Bayern in 2019-20, defeating Paris Saint-Germain in a behind-closed-doors Champions League final.
Fermin Lopez added the insurance of a second goal deep in injury time against Espanyol.
Topics: Barcelona, FC Barcelona, La Liga, Champions League, Lamine Yamal
Chris Nee