Yamal shines as Barcelona held to 3-3 draw by resilient Club Brugge
Barcelona were forced to dig deep to avoid a shock defeat in Belgium, salvaging a 3-3 draw against a spirited Club Brugge side in a chaotic UEFA Champions League encounter. The result ended Barça’s run of four straight away wins in Europe and extended Brugge’s unbeaten home streak in the competition to five matches.
It was a nightmare start for the Catalans, as Carlos Forbs exploited Barcelona’s high defensive line just six minutes in and squared for Nicolo Tresoldi to tap home the opener. The early setback jolted Xavi’s side into action, and they responded almost immediately when Ferran Torres curled a composed finish past Nordin Jackers two minutes later.
Barcelona began to assert control, dominating possession and creating chances, but their defensive vulnerability continued to haunt them. A counterattack from a Barça corner turned into disaster when two long balls upfield released Forbs once again, the Portuguese winger racing clear before bending a low effort past Wojciech Szczęsny to restore Brugge’s lead.
Jules Kounde rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike midway through the first half, and Marcus Rashford tested Jackers soon after as Barcelona pushed for another equaliser. Brugge, however, held firm, showing composure in possession and tactical discipline to reach halftime with their advantage intact.
The hosts came out firing after the break, with Joaquin Seys forcing Szczęsny into an early save. Lamine Yamal then wasted a glorious opportunity at the other end, firing straight at Jackers when clean through on goal. Eric Garcia went even closer moments later, unleashing a 30-yard rocket that crashed against the woodwork.
Barça finally broke through again thanks to Yamal’s brilliance. The 17-year-old dazzled past two defenders before finishing with the outside of his left foot to make it 2-2, a moment of individual magic that underlined why he’s regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
Forbs, who had tormented Barcelona all evening, completed his brace shortly after with another perfectly timed run, lifting the ball delicately over Szczęsny to put Brugge 3-2 up. The Belgian side thought they had sealed a famous victory late on when Romeo Vermant found the net, but VAR ruled it out for a foul in the build-up.
Barcelona’s persistence finally paid off with 13 minutes left when Yamal’s driven cross was turned into his own net by Christos Tzolis, bringing the visitors level for a third time. Despite a frantic finish, neither side could find a winner.
The result leaves Barcelona frustrated after another display of attacking brilliance offset by defensive lapses, while Club Brugge will take pride in matching one of Europe’s elite and maintaining their impressive home record.
