Yamal shines as Barcelona thrash Girona 4-1

Teenager Lamine Yamal starred with a brace as Barcelona cruised to a 4-1 victory over Girona on Sunday, extending their perfect start to the La Liga season under new coach Hansi Flick. Yamal’s first-half double set the tone for the match, with Dani Olmo and Pedri Gonzalez adding second-half goals to seal the win.

Barcelona avenged last season’s two Catalan derby defeats to Girona, who struggled to match their surprise third-place finish from the previous campaign. Yamal opened the scoring after 30 minutes, dispossessing David Lopez and calmly finishing past Paulo Gazzaniga. The winger doubled his tally just before halftime with a precise strike from the edge of the box.

Girona’s Cristhian Stuani pulled one back late on, but Olmo and Pedri had already secured the points for the visitors. Olmo netted his third goal in as many La Liga games, while Pedri capped off a fine team move, rounding the keeper to finish.

Despite Girona’s late consolation and a red card for Ferran Torres, Barcelona’s dominant display ensured their fifth straight win of the season.

(Source: AFP)