Lamine Yamal Kembali, Menggerak Kebangkitan Barcelona

JAKARTA - Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco praised Lamine Yamal as the world's best player after the Barcelona forward recovered from injury and created a winning goal in Sunday, September 28, 2025.

The 18-year-old missed Barcelona's last four games due to a groin problem. He then came off the bench against Real Sociedad.

In one minute, he had provided a pass to Robert Lewandowski when the Catalan team won 2-1 and topped the La Liga standings.

"Lamine's presence on the pitch alone has become a threat. It's very difficult to stop her, even by bringing in new players off the bench to look after her."

"I'm very happy to see him play. He has again shown that he is most likely the best in the world. Yamal's entry from the bench determines the course of the game," Francisco told a news conference.

Real Sociedad took the lead in the first half at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium through Alvaro Odriozola.

Not long after, Jules Kunde's header equalized for Barcelona just before the break after taking advantage of Marcus Rashford's corner.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick then added Yamal in the 58th minute which the hosts welcomed.

In the 59th minute, the teenager managed to get past guard and provided a cross to Lewandowski who headed the ball to score his fourth goal this season.

Yamal thought he would score an own goal a few minutes later, but his goal was disallowed due to a thin offside.

"I'm glad he's back, all of us too. He's shown firsthand the incredible power he has, to create chances, to give him a last pass. Glad he's back," Flick said.

The appearance of Yamal's return occurred at the end of the week after he finished second, under Ousmane Dembele, in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and brought home the Kopa Trophy (Kopa Trophies) - which was given to the world's best U-21 players - in a gala in Paris.

He showed off the Kopa Trophy on the pitch before the game. Flick said he would now focus on getting even better at the Ballon d'Or next year.

"It's a decision we can't change (Dembele wins), but Lamine has another chance next year."

"He will try to achieve it. For every player, being one of the players who can win this trophy is a great thing."

"Of course we have a lot of players in this team who can win this trophy," said the Barcelona manager.

Barcelona remain unbeaten in seven league games this season, winning six and drawing once. The win against Real Sociedad brought them to the top of the standings from Real Madrid who lost to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

"It's nice to be able to grab this. It puts pressure on the opponent, Real Madrid, and everyone behind us. Now we have to defend this position," Flick said of their achievements at the top of the standings.

The win on Sunday was also marked by Dro Fernandez's full debut, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder who was surprisingly given the opportunity to play starter by Flick.

"I was very happy, very happy. Incredible. When I was told I was going to start, at first I didn't believe it, but I managed to calm down."

"Other players and coaches helped. They told me to do what I did in training and it gave me confidence," said Dro.