Villarreal 3-4 Barcelona: Lamine Yamal show as Catalans win east coast clash

Barcelona's young sensation, Lamine Yamal, illuminated the Ceramica on Sunday, guiding the Spanish champions to an entertaining victory over Villarreal. Despite being just 16 years old and making only his second start for the club, Yamal's performance was noteworthy.

The teenage winger exhibited his prowess by striking the woodwork twice and creating the opening goal for Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong nabbed the second just three minutes later.

Villarreal, however, responded tenaciously. Juan Foyth headed home and Alexander Sorloth put Villarreal level five minutes before the break.

Alfonso Pedraza set up Baena just five minutes into the second half -- the pendulum seemed to swing in Villarreal's favor as they surged ahead. Nevertheless, Barcelona's spirit remained unbroken. Substitute Ferran Torres restored parity with a timely strike.

The defining moment arrived when Yamal's fierce drive ricocheted off the post, only for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski to pounce on the rebound, securing his first goal of the season and propelling Barcelona ahead.

The striker could have scored again late on but was denied one-on-one with Jorgensen; perhaps he should have fed Ansu Fati -- who also was wasteful.