Lamine Yamal struggles despite Barcelona’s 5-0 start

Lamine Yamal’s difficult night has become the main concern around Barcelona despite the club opening its Liga campaign with a commanding victory. The forward offered little influence before being taken off, and his emotional reaction on the substitutes’ bench added to the scrutiny around his form.

Barcelona defeated Elche 5-0. Raphinha opened the scoring, Fermin Lopez struck twice and Karim Adeyemi scored his first official goal for the club. Anthony Gordon supplied two assists after replacing Yamal in the 65th minute. The result gives Barcelona a strong start, but Yamal’s individual performance has created a separate talking point.

The 2026 world champion appeared short of ideas and visibly frustrated after his substitution, with teammates and staff attempting to comfort him. The reaction has prompted discussion about whether his disappointment was connected to the situation involving close friend Alejandro Balde, who is being pushed towards the exit, or whether it reflects a difficult run since the World Cup, where Yamal had failed to reach his usual level.

Yamal will have an immediate opportunity to respond when Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. A stronger display would help ease the doubts surrounding his role in the team’s plans.