Lamine Yamal Invents a "Almost-Rabona" and Leaves Galatasaray Undressed in Barça Rout

Some plays don't need to end in a goal to stick in the memory. Lamine Yamal's moment in Istanbul was exactly that: a feint that not even its own creator could properly name, but one that led directly to Barcelona's third goal against Galatasaray.

Hansi Flick's side won 4-1 on the road in Turkey in the Champions League, and even though Yamal didn't show up on the scoresheet, his was the name on everyone's lips when the final whistle blew. The academy product put together a second half that made all the difference: first he whipped in a pinpoint cross for Fermín López to finish, then conjured up an assist out of nowhere for Anthony Gordon's goal.

The Englishman's goal deserves its own explanation. Yamal faked a rabona, the defender bought it completely, and instead of actually crossing his leg behind the ball he simply pushed it toward the byline. There was a bit of luck involved, since the ball bounced favorably for him, but the burst to cut back inside and set up Gordon was all his own doing.

Even Yamal couldn't settle on a precise name for the move. Watching the replay on Movistar, he handled it with a laugh.

I don't know what to call it, it was like a dribble, almost a rabona. It worked out well for the assist to Gordon, and that's what matters, that in the end it was effective.Lamine Yamal

In another interview, this time with Thierry Henry for CBS, the young winger explained that the idea wasn't entirely improvised: he's been searching for new ways to create space for a while now, since opponents have started reading his usual moves near the byline.

Lately I've noticed that a lot of opponents, when I get to the byline, they throw themselves to the ground. I saw the chance, went for it, and it worked out. I always try to fake something to create space. If you manage to open up a bit of room that way, it gives us forwards life. It was a nice moment, but it was also effective, so I'm very happy.Lamine Yamal

The numbers back up the moment. Across 10 matches played this season with Barça, Yamal has racked up 8 goals and 9 assists, a level of production that explains why Flick didn't hold back the praise after the match.

Flick: "What he's doing is incredible"

The German coach was direct in his post-match press conference when discussing his player's impact in the second half, especially since Barcelona had to come from behind after falling into an early deficit.

In the second half he was fantastic, the way he controlled the game, the final pass. What he's doing is incredible.Hansi Flick

The win in Türkiye also marked Barcelona's tenth straight victory to open the season, with eight in LaLiga and two in the Champions League. Over that stretch the team has scored 43 goals, a number that's starting to fuel bigger comparisons inside the locker room.

Asked by CBS whether Barça believes a Treble (LaLiga, Champions League and Copa del Rey) is possible this season, Yamal didn't hesitate.

Always. We are Barcelona, we are the best team in the world.Lamine Yamal

That claim will face its first serious test in the coming days: Barcelona visits Real Betis, third in LaLiga, this Saturday, then travels to France to face Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday in the Champions League, and closes out the stretch by hosting Real Madrid the following Sunday in the season's first Clásico.