Madrid:

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal scored in a thrilling 4-3 win for the Spanish champions at Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday.

The 16-year-old winger, making his second start for the club, hit the woodwork twice and scored the opening goal for Gavi in ​​an impressive display that stood out amid a chaotic fightback.

Experienced Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored the winning goal, his first of the season, after Yamal’s drive hit the post, lifting Barca temporarily into third place.

“We have to focus on our youth academy,” Barca coach Xavi told Movistar after giving midfielder Fermín López a chance to make his debut as a substitute, and even more so given the situation we are in financially. “

With Xavi watching from above in the stands, serving a suspension, his charges took a two-goal lead early in the game.

Villarreal made a bright start and a goal from Alexandre Sorloth was adjudged for offside.

However, Barcelona took the lead after 12 minutes when Yamal went past the post to find fellow academy graduate Gavi, who headed home.

Only three minutes later, Frenkie de Jong scored the second goal for the Catalans after sending the ball in his direction following a lucky bounce.

Barcelona were missing injured midfielder Pedri and defenders Alejandro Balde and Ronald Araujo – and Villarreal soon hit back.

Juan Foyth netted a bullet header from Alex Baena’s corner to give the hosts the lead at the Estadio de la Ceramica. It was the first goal conceded by Barcelona this season.

Soon in the second, Sorloth headed home Pedraza’s cross after a superb pass from veteran forward Gerard Moreno, helping to create the opportunity.

Villarreal went ahead early in the second half after another impressive surge from Pedraza, who set up Baena for a clinical finish.

Captain Sergi Roberto has struggled badly at right-back for Barcelona, ​​who are close to signing Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City to occupy that position.

Yamal lofted an effort against the crossbar as he repeatedly threatened Villarreal’s defence.

Substitute Ferran Torres continued his strong pre-season form by pulling Barcelona level and soon Lewandowski put the champions ahead.

Yamal was again heavily involved, with Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen tipping his vicious drive onto the post, but Lewandowski was in the right place at the right time to convert the rebound.