All news

Lamine Yamal explains his 'almost rabona' dribble against Galatasaray: "It just came out that way"

Lamine Yamal was named Player of the Match in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Galatasaray in Istanbul. The 17-year-old winger explained the dribble on Elmali that led to Gordon's goal and earned praise from Hansi Flick and Fermin Lopez. His mother and girlfriend watched the game from the stands at RAMS Park.

varelaByvarela5 min read
Lamine Yamal celebrates with Barcelona teammates during the Champions League match against Galatasaray at RAMS Park in Istanbul
Lamine Yamal celebrates with Barcelona teammates during the Champions League match against Galatasaray at RAMS Park in Istanbul

Lamine Yamal turned RAMS Park in Istanbul into his personal stage. The Barcelona winger provided two assists in the second half, was named Player of the Match and explained the dribble on Elmali that set up Gordon for the 1-3 goal. The 4-1 away win leaves Hansi Flick's side with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

  • Lamine Yamal described his dribble on Elmali as an instinctive move he called "the almost rabona".
  • The winger delivered two assists in the second half, setting up Fermin and Gordon in the 4-1 win over Galatasaray.
  • Hansi Flick highlighted Lamine's physical condition and his ability to control the game after the break.
  • Fermin Lopez said he always makes a run when Lamine has the ball and called his teammate "the best in the world".
  • Sheila Ebana, the player's mother, and content creator Ines Garcia attended the match at the Turkish stadium.

How Lamine Yamal created Barcelona's third goal

The move that went viral came in the second half. Lamine faced Elmali out wide, beat him with a gesture between a dribble and a pass that few expected, and put the ball into the box for Gordon to score Barcelona's third goal. The player later described it on Movistar Plus Deportes with a mix of freshness and honesty.

Well... It turned out to be effective in the end. I would call it the almost rabona, but I don't know... in the moment it just came out that way. It worked out well for Gordon's assist.

That was not his only decisive appearance of the night. Before that, he had assisted Fermin in a move that confirmed the chemistry between the two. The Barcelona academy product spoke after the game about their connection on and off the pitch and did not hold back when praising his teammate.

Fermin on Lamine Yamal: "He is the best in the world"

Fermin Lopez was one of the standout names of the night thanks to his goal and his understanding with Lamine. After the match, the midfielder explained how he takes advantage of every run when his friend gets on the ball.

Lamine is a friend and a great teammate. When he has it, I always look for the run because I know he looks for me and sees me. He is the best in the world, he has so much quality, we get along well off the pitch and on the pitch that shows too.

That partnership is already part of Barcelona's attacking catalog. In Turkey it came alive at the best possible moment, when Galatasaray threatened to get back into the tie.

Flick and the physical condition of the Barcelona winger

Hansi Flick spoke to the media with the satisfaction of a coach who has seen his team respond in a demanding environment. The German manager focused on Lamine Yamal's second half and how he changed the course of the match.

According to Flick, the winger is in great physical shape and enjoys playing football, something that shows in every burst forward. The coach stressed that having a player of that level is a real advantage, especially when he appears to swing games that look evenly matched.

Lamine's night in Istanbul, with his mother and girlfriend in the stands

The match at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park also had a personal side for Lamine Yamal. Sheila Ebana, his mother, and content creator Ines Garcia attended the stadium to watch the player's display in Istanbul live.

It is not common for such close family members to travel with the team for European away games, and their presence coincided with one of the winger's most complete performances of the continental campaign so far.

What the 4-1 result means for the second leg in Barcelona

The away win at Galatasaray puts Barcelona in a very comfortable position for the second leg of the round of 16. The Catalan side will head into the return fixture with a three-goal cushion and the feeling of having matured away from home in a high-pressure European tie.

Lamine Yamal left Istanbul as the main protagonist, but also as the face of a team that has learned how to close out games when the opponent pushes. The tie will be decided in Barcelona, where Flick will try to manage the lead without losing the competitive rhythm of a squad already thinking about bigger targets.

Frequently asked questions about Lamine Yamal's moment

Frequently asked questions

What did Lamine Yamal say about his dribble against Galatasaray?

Lamine Yamal said the dribble on Elmali came out instinctively and described it as "the almost rabona". He added that the move ended up being effective because it led to Gordon's goal for the 1-3.

How many assists did Lamine Yamal have against Galatasaray?

Lamine Yamal provided two assists in the second half of the Champions League match in Istanbul. One set up Fermin's goal and the other led to Gordon's strike for the 1-3.

What did Hansi Flick say about Lamine Yamal after the match?

Hansi Flick praised Lamine Yamal's second half and highlighted that he is in great physical condition. The German coach said he enjoys playing football and that his ability to dominate games changes matches.

Based on reporting by Marca.