Yamal scores stunning goal as Barca draw thriller with Club Brugge

News Express |6th Nov 2025 | 106

Lamine Yamal scored a fantastic goal as Barcelona came from behind three times to draw at Club Brugge in a remarkable Champions League game.

The hosts thought they had won the game in injury time when Romeo Vermant slid in on Wojciech Szczesny before scoring into an empty net - but the goal was disallowed by the video assistant referee for a foul.

Club Brugge took a sixth-minute lead when Carlos Forbs burst away down the right before squaring the ball for Nicolo Tresoldi to slide in.

But less than two minutes later Barca were level through Ferran Torres' first-time finish from Fermin Lopez's cross.

Fermin then curled a shot off the post - the first of three times Barca would hit the woodwork.

And suddenly they were behind again as Brugge played their way through their high line too easily and Christos Tzolis fed Forbs, who slotted home inside the box.

Barca hit the crossbar twice, through Jules Kounde and then Eric Garcia's drive from at least 30 yards out.

And then Yamal struck as he beat two defenders with wonderful skill before playing a one-two with Dani Olmo and beating another man before slotting in.

Forbs, who spent last season on loan with Wolves, missed a huge opportunity - but moments later made up for it by running on to Hans Vanaken's through ball before clipping a shot past Szczesny.

Brugge thought they had a chance to make it 4-2 when Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty, for an Alex Balde tackle on Forbs, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee.

And Barca took advantage of that let off when Yamal's cross was nodded into his own net by the unfortunate Tzolis.

But right at the end Szczesny, who had dawdled on the ball, got hugely lucky when VAR bailed him out after losing the ball to Vermant.

Analysis: A draw that pleases everyone... and nobody?

Both sides will feel they were unfortunate to come away with just a point at the end of a remarkable game.

Club Brugge have enjoyed plenty of big days in Europe under boss Nicky Hayen - and this will have been right up there with them - in a game they would clearly have taken a draw in before kick-off.

But when you go ahead three times, are awarded a penalty and then think you have won the game right at the end, there will be a natural frustration.

Vermant probably could not believe his luck when he slid in and won the ball from the Barca keeper, but Anthony Taylor - after VAR consultation - came to the conclusion the forward had tripped Szczesny with his tackle before stealing the ball.

Two of their goals came from Forbs using his devastating pace to take advantage of a high Barcelona defensive line. That is the Forbs who did not score a goal for Wolves in last season's loan spell from Ajax - before joining Club Brugge this summer.

"It was a magical night," said the 21-year-old Portuguese, who lived in England as a child.

"We deserved to win. We knew they keep a high line. The game plan was good from the coaching staff.

"My first two goals in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't complain or ask for much more. I definitely should have scored [another]. Maybe next time."

Barcelona meanwhile will probably have felt after battling back three times - and hitting the woodwork three times - they could have won this game.

The highlight of the game from their point of view was clearly Yamal's sublime goal, which former Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend said was like watching a young Lionel Messi.

Barca boss Hansi Flick was criticial of his side and said: "It was too easy to score goals against us today. We had no pressure on the ball.

"We have to work on that and make it better. We had a lot of possession but you don't win with ball possession. We need more confidence In our game. It's November. It's a long way to the end of May."

However a draw was probably the fair result, with both sides having an identical expected goals total of 2.14.

The result takes Barca on to seven points and Club Brugge on to four points from four games.