Lamine Yamal shines for Barcelona with two goals and an assist after Ballon d’Or setback

Lamine Yamal responded to recent disappointments against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, as well as finishing third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with a decisive display for Barcelona against Deportivo Alaves.

The 19-year-old scored twice and created another goal during an outstanding performance, underlining his ability to regain his best form and continue his impressive contribution in a Barcelona shirt.

Yamal developed a strong understanding with team-mate Fermin Lopez, who in turn created several opportunities for the winger. The Barcelona forward played a key role in the second goal when his pass found Lopez in the 23rd minute. Lopez finished with a powerful low shot across goal.

Just three minutes later, Yamal went close to adding his own name to the scoresheet. He received the ball from Lopez inside the penalty area but sent his effort narrowly wide of the post.

The Spain international remained a constant threat and tested Deportivo Alaves goalkeeper Sivera again in the 35th minute. After Ademi delivered an excellent cross, Yamal struck powerfully from close range inside the six-yard box, but Sivera made an impressive save with his chest.

Yamal eventually found the net in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. Barcelona worked the ball forward in a well-constructed attack before Joao Cancelo received possession inside the area. The Portuguese player laid the ball back to Yamal, who met it first time with his left foot and guided the shot into the goalkeeper’s bottom-left corner.

The goal made it Barcelona’s fourth of the match. Yamal celebrated by gripping and pulling out the Barcelona crest on his shirt before holding it up towards the supporters, signalling his attachment to the Catalan club after a difficult period.

That frustration had followed defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, alongside his third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings. His performance against Deportivo Alaves offered a strong response on the pitch.

Yamal was not finished, however. In the 64th minute, he collected a precise pass from Gabriel Jesus and raced clear of the Deportivo Alaves defence. With Sivera advancing, Yamal lifted a composed left-footed chip over the goalkeeper and watched the ball cross the line.

The second goal took Yamal’s tally for the season to 12. Ten have come in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League. He has also provided 11 assists, including seven in La Liga and four in the UEFA Champions League.

That gives the Barcelona number 10 a total of 23 goal contributions this season, combining goals and assists, and further demonstrates his influence on the club’s attack.