Lamine Yamal’s night against Celta Vigo ended with concern after he scored Barcelona’s opening penalty and then immediately went to ground holding his hamstring. The 18-year-old had won the spot kick, converted it, and then signaled for medical attention instead of celebrating.
He received treatment on the pitch before walking off, but he could not continue and was replaced by Roony Bardghji shortly before halftime. The injury created an early setback for Barcelona, which is chasing the LaLiga title and needs Yamal available for the run-in.
Injury concern after a successful finish
Replays showed Yamal clutching the back of his leg as soon as the penalty went in. That detail raised immediate concern because the issue appeared to come right after the decisive moment that put Barcelona ahead.
The forward had already been dealing with pubalgia problems at times during the season, although he had still managed to stay available for most matches. His appearance against Celta was his 45th in all competitions, showing how heavily Barcelona have relied on him.
Match disruption added to the tension
The game was also interrupted for nearly 20 minutes because of a medical emergency in the stands. Play did not resume until the affected supporter had been evacuated from the stadium, according to an announcement.
That delay left the first half stretched well beyond the usual rhythm, and the halftime whistle only came after the clock had passed 65 minutes. The sequence made an already tense night even more complicated for Barcelona.
Barcelona’s title picture
Barcelona entered the match top of LaLiga, six points ahead of Real Madrid, and a win would move them nine points clear with six games remaining. That makes Yamal’s fitness especially important as the season enters its final stretch.
The Catalan club still has to face Madrid, with the next LaLiga Clásico scheduled for May 10 at Camp Nou. Yamal’s contribution has been central to the campaign so far, as he has scored 24 goals and supplied 17 assists.
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