Lamine Yamal: Barcelona star finding new ways to amaze

After lighting up the European Championship last summer, Lamine Yamal is still finding new ways to amaze those watching him in action.

The 17-year-old wrote his name into the Champions League history books on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player ever to score and assist in the competition as he helped Barcelona beat Benfica to reach the quarter-finals.

This season he has contributed to 28 goals, and is approaching 60 goal contributions for club and country.

And just to emphasise – he is only 17.

The teenager plays with a confidence that belies his years, exemplified by the quality of his assist and goal against Benfica.

Following a mazy run towards the visitors’ box, he flicked a brilliant ball through the defence to find Raphinha at the far post to volley in.

Then it was his turn to get on the scoresheet, and he did so in spectacular fashion. With space on the edge of the box, Yamal effortlessly whipped a brilliant strike beyond the reach of the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

“His goal was spectacular,” said team-mate Raphinha.

“It shows what Lamine is – he’s a spectacular player with tremendous quality.”

Barcelona beat Benfica 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate to go through to the last eight, where they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille.

“Lamine hadn’t scored for a long time, six games and over a month, so he’s happy because it was a very important goal for us, a brilliant effort,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said.

“We are all happy for him because he is a great kid and a fantastic player.”