Fears Lamine Yamal season could be over as injury overshadows Celta Vigo win

Lamine Yamal endured a dramatic and worrying night at the Nou Camp, scoring the decisive goal for FC Barcelona before suffering an injury that cast a shadow over their narrow 1-0 victory against RC Celta de Vigo.

The 18-year-old winger proved decisive once again in La Liga’s title race, winning and converting a first-half penalty after a surging run into the box drew a foul from Yoel Lago.

His composed finish past goalkeeper Ionut Radu in the 40th minute ultimately separated the sides and extended Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to nine points with six matches remaining.

However, the celebrations were short-lived. Immediately after finding the net, Yamal signalled towards the bench in discomfort before collapsing to the turf, visibly clutching his left hamstring.

Medical staff quickly rushed to his aid, and the forward was forced to limp off the pitch, heading straight down the tunnel as a precaution. He was replaced by Roony Bardghji.

The incident has sparked concern within the Barcelona camp, with the club’s coaching staff and supporters now anxiously awaiting the outcome of medical assessments.

Head coach Hansi Flick will be hoping the injury does not derail Yamal’s availability for the highly anticipated El Clasico against second-placed Real Madrid next month, a fixture that could prove decisive in the title race.

There is also growing attention beyond club football, with Spain’s national team closely monitoring the situation ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June.

Yamal has been one of Europe’s standout young performers this season, registering 16 goals and 11 assists in La Liga while continuing to establish himself as a central figure for club and country.

Spain international Pedri offered a cautious but reassuring update after the match, telling Movistar Plus: “I hope [his injury] is for as few weeks as possible. Tomorrow he’ll be tested and we’ll see what it is.”

He added: “I wish him the best of luck, and he should stay calm – he’s young and will surely recover well.”