Lamine Yamal sets Champions League scoring record before 20 after Aston Villa error

Lamine Yamal became the leading goalscorer in Champions League history before turning 20 after taking advantage of a defensive mistake to put Barcelona ahead against Aston Villa.

The 19-year-old struck after only eight minutes of Tuesday evening’s league-phase meeting at Camp Nou, converting a misplaced pass from Joao Gomes inside the penalty area with a composed finish.

The goal took Yamal’s Champions League tally to 14 in the competition, achieved at the age of 19 years and 113 days, according to Mr Chip.

He moved beyond the previous record of 13 goals held by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who reached that total before his 20th birthday.

Erling Haaland is third on the list with 10 goals, while Patrick Kluivert has seven. Raul Gonzalez, Karim Benzema and Jude Bellingham have each scored six Champions League goals before turning 20.

Yamal’s latest milestone came as Barcelona faced Aston Villa in the fourth round of the league phase. His finish handed the Catalan side an early advantage after Joao Gomes’ error presented the forward with the opportunity inside the box.

The goal also marked a wider achievement for Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick.

Stats Foot reported that it was Barcelona’s 50th goal at home in the Champions League since Flick took charge, with the landmark reached across 15 matches in the competition under the German coach.