Yamal joins Owen on 40 goals before 20 as Barcelona return to the top

Lamine Yamal continued his remarkable scoring run for Barcelona by netting twice in their 6-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.

The result, in the 11th round of La Liga, took Yamal’s total to 40 goals before his 20th birthday. That puts him level with former England striker Michael Owen and just one goal behind Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid forward who has scored 41 before turning 20.

Mbappe’s total is the highest recorded in this category over the past 30 seasons across Europe’s five major leagues. With Yamal not due to turn 20 until next July, surpassing the record appears increasingly likely.

Yamal’s two goals formed part of a dominant Barcelona display as they responded strongly to consecutive defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Barcelona had lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain before being beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid.

The emphatic win also marked a personal milestone for manager Hansi Flick, who recorded his 100th victory in official competitions with Barcelona. His record in those matches now stands at 100 wins, 10 draws and 21 defeats.

Barcelona’s three points lifted them to 30 points and restored their position at the top of the La Liga table. They are two points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and six ahead of third-placed Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have the opportunity to reduce that gap when they visit Racing Santander on Sunday in the same round of fixtures.