Football / Champions League: Lamine Yamal Breaks Record as Barcelona Sink Aston Villa 3-0

Barcelona, Nov 4: Barcelona underlined their Champions League credentials with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, powered by a record-breaking strike from Lamine Yamal and a clinical second-half brace from Raphinha.

The win snapped Villa's unbeaten European run and boosted the Catalan giants' hopes of securing a strong position in the league phase.

The hosts made a dream start by striking in just the seventh minute. A costly mistake from Joao Gomes inside the penalty area gifted possession to Yamal, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to put Barcelona ahead.

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The goal marked another milestone for the Spanish teenager, taking his Champions League tally to 14 and making him the competition's highest-scoring teenager, surpassing Kylian Mbappe.

Despite the early setback, Aston Villa responded positively and created several opportunities before half-time. Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Johan Manzambi and Gomes all threatened, but Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia and his defence stood firm to preserve the lead.

Barcelona emerged after the break with greater attacking intent and doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute. Raphinha's low strike from outside the area took a deflection off Pau Torres, wrong-footing Suzuki before rolling into the net.

The Brazilian winger struck again 12 minutes later to effectively seal the contest. Joao Cancelo delivered an excellent cross from the left flank, allowing Raphinha to finish from close range and complete his brace. The goals took his remarkable season tally to 19 in just 13 appearances.

Villa continued to search for a way back into the match but struggled to break down Barcelona's organised defence. Anthony Gordon was denied a clear chance, while Leon Goretzka came closest with a header that rattled the post.

The victory ended Villa's unbeaten run in Europe and moved Barcelona above the English side on goal difference despite both teams being level on nine points.

Equally significant, it delivered Barcelona's first Champions League clean sheet since April 2025, providing a timely boost ahead of their crucial La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid.

(IANS)