Lamine Yamal had a special day under the beaming lights at the Estadio Do Dragao on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, but he was absent from some of the action as he had to use the toilet.
Yamal made his first start for Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on October 4, 2023, against Porto at 16 years and 83 days.
He became the youngest-ever player to start a Champions League game, breaking the record of Nigerian legend Celestine Babayaro, which was set in the 1994/95 season while at Anderlecht.
Lamine Yamal couldn’t suppress the urge to use the toilet in the last quarter of the encounter, as he exited the pitch in the 71st minute.
Thankfully, Barcelona were ahead in the game courtesy of a brilliant finish from Ferran Torres in the 1st minute of additional time in the first half.
The Blaugrana side had to play close to 10 minutes with 10 men, as Yamal Lamine didn’t make a return to the turf.
Xavi Hernandez explains reason for Yamal’s departure from the field in the clash against Porto
Manager Xavi Hernandez had to substitute the youngster in the 80th minute, bringing on Marcos Alonso as his replacement.
Following the expiration of the clash against Porto, Xavi explained the reason for Yamal exiting the pitch for the toilet.
The Spaniard said: “Lamine Yamal was unwell. He had an illness, he had been telling me for a while.”
Xavi Hernandez also added that he was informed that the 16-year-old wouldn’t return to the pitch.
He said: “I took advantage of a break to tell him to be quick and go to the toilet, but in the end, they told me that he wouldn’t be able to get back on the pitch.”
The Catalan giants managed to keep the scoreline in their favor, leaving the Portuguese side with the needed victory.
Meanwhile, another youngster, Gavi, was also sent off in the 3rd minute of additional time in the second 45 minutes, for a clumsy challenge on Porto’s Wendell.
Barcelona remain top of Group H, with 6 maximum points from 2 matches, scoring 6 goals and conceding none.
They are 3 points better than 2nd-place Porto, who they defeated to remain at the summit of the log.
Yamal Lamine has been remarkable for Barcelona since he made his debut on April 29, 2023, coming on as a substitute for Wednesday’s red card recipient Gavi in a 4-0 win over Real Betis.
His La Liga debut was also a record, as he became the youngest Barcelona debutant aged 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days.
Yamal Lamine is the youngest player to play for Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League
Yamal is the youngest-ever debutant in the UEFA Champions League, having featured in Barcelona’s first game against Royal Antwerp aged 16 years and 68 days.
The 16-year-old is also the youngest player to play for Spain, and also the youngest goalscorer.
Yamal Lamine earned his first cap for La Roja on September 8, 2023, aged 16 years and 57 days.
The prodigy has made 11 first-team appearances for Barcelona, scoring no goal and providing 2 assists.
He recently penned a contract extension with the Spanish club on Monday, October 2, 2023, signing a deal that runs until June 30, 2026.
