Lamine Yamal was the last to leave the pitch, but nobody was really in any rush.
Several of the Barcelona and Real Sociedad players fell into deep conversation at the final whistle. It was a friendly and relaxed atmosphere despite the one-sided result.
Yamal was talking to Robert Lewandowski, both smiling as they recalled “a couple of comedy moments” that happened during the game, as the young forward later explained to Movistar Plus+.
The mood was radically different to just over a week ago at Girona. Barca’s players had left Montilivi crestfallen, although they were barely even on the pitch in any meaningful way by the end of their 4-2 bruising, and the margin of defeat probably should have been greater.
Monday night was a total contrast. A 2-0 home victory gave way to a feeling that the waters in this end-of-season period might just become a little calmer and quieter — if that is really possible at Barcelona.
Real Sociedad were, in theory, the most challenging opponents left in Barca’s La Liga run-in, as they try to finish in second place behind champions Real Madrid. Next up is Almeria away on Thursday, then Rayo Vallecano at home on Sunday and a trip to Sevilla on the final day (May 25).
The importance of finishing second is not just about pride: it brings qualification for the Supercopa de Espana, which would be worth about €6million (£5.2m; $6.5m) to the club’s stricken finances.
So even if it wasn’t a match that will go down as one of Barca’s greatest, this was a very welcome three points that helped relieve the injury sustained at Montilivi. And because Girona drew 2-2 at Deportivo Alaves on Friday, Barca are now back up to second, one point clear of Michel’s side, who play the first of their final three games this evening at home to Villarreal.
Barca competed well against La Real. They controlled possession for long periods, created many chances, and once again Yamal showed why he, of all their players, should be considered the closest thing they have to a leader right now.
GO DEEPER
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s young prodigy and the proud neighbourhood that shaped him
Before he got injured, Gavi was fulfilling that role early in the season. Similar had been expected of Lewandowski or Frenkie de Jong, but neither has truly stepped up: to rally the team in difficult games, to show anger or encourage fans and team-mates when things aren’t going well.
Yamal has been managed carefully over the campaign due to Barca’s recent experience and the injuries suffered by Ansu Fati and Pedri but matches such as last night underlined exactly how Xavi has been left with no alternative. He has had to play. His talent cannot be contained.
Yamal has scored seven goals for Barca this term (Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Again he evaded opponents with endless dribbles, and again his movement and one-touch connections stood out. His first-time finish for Barca’s opener was struck supremely; the perfect low finish to a flowing Barca move started by Lewandowski’s clever pass. Credit also has to go to Ilkay Gundogan for finding his young team-mate, but as soon as Yamal’s shot rippled the net, everyone went looking for him to celebrate.
It was his fifth goal in La Liga in 34 appearances this season, his seventh in 47 appearances in all competitions. It meant he became the first player in La Liga history to score five goals before the age of 17 — his birthday is on July 13, the day before the Euro 2024 final.
Already, in just over a year since his debut aged 15, so much has changed. Yamal looks like a player who could mark an era. On Montjuic, more and more people bear his name on their shirts.
“Lamine is the chosen one,” Xavi said in his post-match press conference.
“His decision-making is exceptional. He doesn’t do everything perfectly, of course, he’s 16 years old… but that he’s making the difference at that age tells you what kind of player he is and what he can be. His growth in a year is incredible.”
It is becoming increasingly easy to forget Yamal’s age when watching him in action and seeing how he always seems to be cast as the game’s most influential figure.
The same goes for how he carries himself without the ball — his pose as he walks towards the tunnel, his manner and conduct in post-match interviews. Each time, he appears a little more confident, a little more complete.
After Monday’s game, once he and Lewandowski had finished their debriefing, he walked over to the cameras waiting for him on the sidelines, triumphant as the crowd cheered his name, ready to pick up another player-of-the-match award.
Then came the first question. He smiled, revealing his braces and that unmistakable glint that reminds you that his career has only just begun.
(Top photo: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)