Barcelona wonderkid explains what went wrong against Rayo Vallecano – ‘We lacked intensity’ | OneFootball

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano, but one bright spark for the team was once again Lamine Yamal.

The youngster showed courage and maturity by scoring Barcelona’s only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

It was the first time the Barça number 10 had converted from spot since making his breakthrough into the first team.

Drama regarding the penalty

The penalty itself carried plenty of drama. Lamine was the one who won it after being brought down in the box by Pep Chavarria.

The decision was heavily disputed by Rayo Vallecano players and supporters, especially because VAR could not intervene due to technical issues at the stadium.

Despite the controversy, Lamine showed composure. He admitted after the match that he took the penalty because he felt “confident enough to shoot.”

Lamine Yamal scored his first penalty goal for Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“They gave it to me. I want to help the team, and if they give me the responsibility, I’m happy to take it.”

A tough test at Vallecas

Despite his moment of brilliance, Barcelona could not find a way past Rayo’s resilient defence to secure all three points.

The 18-year-old admitted that the team were not at their usual level. “This is a very difficult pitch.

“We lacked intensity because we didn’t play with the same intensity as in other matches, but we have to learn from this.

“After the break, we have to get back to last year’s intensity and win as much as possible,“ said Lamine.

He also stressed that the draw was not down to the penalty incident but rather Barcelona’s defensive lapse.

”It’s not my fault we drew; they scored from a set piece. We have to continue with our game, our idea until the end and try to win,” he added.

Source: SPORT