Flick lauds 'clever' Yamal after stunning Clasico turnaround

In a Clasico for the ages, Barcelona pulled off an extraordinary 4–3 comeback win over Real Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday night, a match defined by 30 frenzied first-half minutes and a breathtaking goal from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Real Madrid stunned the home crowd early, with Kylian Mbappe netting twice inside 14 minutes to put Barça on the ropes. But what followed was a blitz of blaugrana brilliance, one of the wildest half-hours in Clasico history and right at the heart of it stood 17-year-old Yamal.

After Eric Garcia started the fightback with a towering header, Yamal delivered the moment of the match — and possibly the season. With a composed first touch and the calm of a veteran, the winger curled a sumptuous effort beyond Courtois from the edge of the box, levelling the score at 2–2 and igniting the Montjuic faithful.

His impact extended far beyond that goal. Yamal was a constant threat down the right flank, drawing defenders out of position with every touch. His directness and vision repeatedly unlocked Madrid's backline, creating space and momentum that culminated in Raphinha's first goal just before the break.

Barcelona, incredibly, went from 0–2 down to 3–2 up before halftime — a first in club history against Real Madrid.

"He is doing great. He has confidence in himself. He's also very clever," Barça coach Hansi Flick said of Yamal during post-match briefing. "For me, what's important is that after the games he looks forward. His goal was crucial and at 17 years old, he has so many qualities. It's just great to have him around."

The second half saw Raphinha strike again, completing his brace and what would ultimately be the match-winner, though Madrid managed a late third through Rodrygo. Still, it wasn't enough to spoil a night that symbolised Barcelona's resilience — and Yamal's rise.

Flick's side has now completed a rare feat: winning all four Clásico matches this season — including a 4-0 win at the Bernabeu, a 5-2 Super Cup demolition, and a 3-2 Copa del Rey triumph. Sunday's victory not only underlined their domestic dominance but also pushed them to the brink of the La Liga title.

Remarkably, this was the sixth time under Flick this season that Barcelona came from behind to win, with prior turnarounds against Valencia, Rayo, Atletico, Celta, and Valladolid. But none carried the historical weight or emotional intensity of Sunday's comeback against their fiercest rivals.

Yamal's name now sits comfortably among Clasico folklore — and at just 17, he isn't just part of Barça's future. He's already shaping its present.