Yamal's priceless shot.

Barcelona did not reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals through a collective surge or an absolutely dominant performance.

They progressed thanks to a moment of brilliance from Lamine Yamal. That's no longer a surprise. It's becoming the new rule at Camp Nou.

Yamal's flawless finish against Albacete. Photo: Reuters.

Yamal's source of livelihood comes from his feet.

The victory against Albacete was a crucial step in their title defense. But the greater significance lies in the fact that Barca were once again rescued by the youngest player in the squad. When the pressure mounted, Yamal appeared. When the pace of the game slowed down, Yamal created breakthroughs. Barca relied on the feet of an 18-year-old player.

Yamal's form at the start of 2026 is clear evidence. In his last six matches, he has made a direct impact in every game. Scoring, assisting, or doing both. Not a single game went to waste. Not a single minute was wasted. This is no longer a temporary streak of good form, but a confirmation of his peak performance.

Yamal's streak of scoring in four consecutive matches across three different competitions places him at a rare milestone in Barca's history. The closest player to achieving this is Lionel Messi. This comparison isn't arbitrary, but it's not coincidental either. Such milestones only occur with exceptional individuals, if not geniuses.

More importantly, Yamal didn't play like a young talent needing protection. He played with the responsibility of a key player. Barca won the Super Cup. Barca led La Liga. Barca secured direct qualification to the next round of the Champions League. Barca reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. In every one of those journeys, Yamal was present as a central link.

The numbers accurately reflect the role of a key player: 14 goals and 12 assists. Yamal is the team's top assist provider and the second-highest scorer after Ferran Torres. But his greatest value doesn't lie in the statistics.

It lies in how Yamal influences the structure of the game. Every touch of the ball stretches the opposing defense. Every time he accelerates, he forces opponents to retreat or commit fouls.

Coach Hansi Flick rotated the squad at Carlos Belmonte. But he didn't rest Yamal. The reason is clear: Flick saw a player in peak physical and mental condition. Yamal played the full 90 minutes not because of a lack of alternatives, but because Barca needed his presence on the field.

Yamal is an indispensable player for Barca. Photo: Reuters.

Yamal on the road to the legendary temple

The recognition came from all sides. Joan Laporta called Yamal a genius. Deco emphasized that the joy of playing football had returned. Gerard Martin called him a world- class player. These compliments were not mere formalities; they reflected a reality: Barca was placing its future on Yamal's shoulders.

Remarkably, Yamal showed no signs of fatigue. After a period of groin problems, he returned with a balance rarely seen in a teenager. No rush. No showmanship. Simply effective.

Barcelona went through a period of emptiness after Messi left. Many young talents emerged and then faded away. But Yamal is taking a different path. Not a replacement, but someone who opens a new chapter.

At this point, the question is no longer whether Yamal is enough. The question is how Barcelona will protect and utilize that talent. Because once a genius has emerged, the remaining responsibility rests with the entire system.

And in Albacete, on a not-so-glamorous evening, Barcelona were reminded once again that they possess the most precious thing in football: a player who can change the fate of a match with a single moment of genius.

Yamal asks the kids to play soccer with him on the beach. A video of Lamine Yamal asking to play soccer with a group of children on the beach during his Dubai vacation has garnered millions of views in a short period of time.

Source: https://znews.vn/cu-dat-long-vo-gia-cua-yamal-post1625452.html