Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao, while Atletico Madrid beat Real Sociedad 3-2 in a Copa del Rey final preview

TEENAGE sensation Lamine Yamal’s superb second-half strike earned Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The 18-year-old’s 68th-minute curler into the top corner restored Barcelona’s four-point lead at the summit of La Liga over Real Madrid.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rotated his squad ahead of a Champions League clash with Newcastle United, resulting in a disjointed first-half display.

Athletic created the better openings before the break, with Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia making key saves to deny Selton Sanchez and Oihan Sancet.

“We’re already seeing what Lamine can do — he puts it right in the top corner and there’s nothing the keeper can do,” said Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

Yamal had been quiet for an hour but seized his moment, collecting a pass from substitute Pedri and firing home off the post for his 19th goal of the season.

“He can decide the games and when he has the space he’s able to score,” Flick told reporters.

The win keeps Barcelona firmly on course to retain their title with another crucial three points.

In Madrid, Atletico tightened their grip on third place with an entertaining 3-2 win over Real Sociedad.

The match served as a dress rehearsal for April’s Copa del Rey final, which will feature the same two teams.

Alexander Sorloth put Atletico ahead before Carlos Soler equalised for the visitors.

Nicolas Gonzalez restored Atletico’s lead after a clever backheel from substitute Antoine Griezmann, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to smash in another immediate equaliser.

Gonzalez had the final say, leaping to head home Matteo Ruggieri’s cross and secure all three points for Diego Simeone’s side.

“I’m really happy for Nico… he got injured in December and hasn’t been able to find his form since,” said Simeone.

The defeat was only the second in 14 matches for Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo since his arrival.

“We hate to lose and the performance was not our best,” Matarazzo said.

Atletico now sit three points clear of fourth-place Villarreal in the race for Champions League qualification.

 The Sun Malaysia