Lamine Yamal Barcelona – Foto: Instagram
Barcelona holds a 3-1 lead over Olympiacos at the 26th minute of the second half in the third round of the Champions League at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Young forward Lamine Yamal was the standout, converting a penalty with precision, outsmarting goalkeeper Tzolakis to score the team’s third goal. The match, still ongoing, has been marked by intense moments, including the expulsion of Olympiacos’ Hezze and a goal disallowed after a VAR review. The Greek side, despite being a man down, is attempting to fight back but struggles against Barcelona’s offensive pressure.
The game started evenly, with Barcelona capitalizing on its youthful squad. Fermín López opened the scoring at the 6th minute of the first half after a move by Yamal and added another at the 38th minute with a dribble past the defense. Olympiacos pulled one back in the second half with a penalty from El Kaabi at the 7th minute. The match remains open, with Barcelona aiming to secure the win.
- Key moments so far:
- 6’ 1H: Fermín López scores after a play by Lamine Yamal.
- 38’ 1H: Fermín López scores again, assisted by Dro Fernández.
- 7’ 2H: El Kaabi converts a penalty for Olympiacos.
- 10’ 2H: Hezze of Olympiacos is sent off after a second yellow card.
- 21’ 2H: Lamine Yamal scores a stunning penalty.
Catalan attack shines
Barcelona showed offensive efficiency despite key absences like Lewandowski, Gavi, and Raphinha. Fermín López, with two goals, and Lamine Yamal, with a penalty golazo, led the charge.
Barcelona 3-1 Olympiacos
⚽ 68′ Yamalpic.twitter.com/XXHYd2oKI9— Gol Kralı (@gol_kralii) October 21, 2025
The constant pressure from the Catalans forced errors from the Greek defense, resulting in cards and Hezze’s expulsion. Olympiacos tried to respond with plays from Podence and El Kaabi but struggled against Barça’s solid defense.
VAR decisions shape key moments
At the 6th minute of the second half, VAR overturned a goal by El Kaabi due to a handball by Pedri, awarding a penalty to Olympiacos. The call sparked complaints but was converted by El Kaabi. At the 20th minute, another VAR-reviewed call confirmed a penalty for Barcelona, converted by Yamal. The technology has been decisive, directly impacting the scoreline. VAR ensured accuracy in calls but heated up tensions on the field.
Key moments timeline
- 6’ 1H: Fermín López scores after Yamal’s individual play, dribbling past the defense.
- 38’ 1H: Fermín López finishes with precision, assisted by Dro Fernández.
- 7’ 2H: El Kaabi scores from a penalty after a VAR review.
- 10’ 2H: Hezze receives a second yellow and is sent off, leaving Olympiacos with ten players.
- 21’ 2H: Lamine Yamal converts a penalty with finesse, securing Barça’s lead.
Match statistics
Barcelona dominates the stats, with higher ball possession and shot attempts. The Catalans average 7.3 shots per game in the Champions League, compared to Olympiacos’ 2.7. The Greek side averages 5.3 corners per match but failed to convert them into clear chances. Barcelona has three yellow cards in the game, while Olympiacos has two, plus Hezze’s red card. The numerical advantage after the expulsion has boosted Barcelona’s tactical edge.
Absences impact strategies
Barcelona took the field without key players like Ter Stegen and Dani Olmo, but the youth squad stepped up. The lineup with Casadó, Pedri, and Yamal brought dynamism to the midfield and attack. Olympiacos, missing Rodinei and Liatsikouras, struggled with limited squad depth.
Match remains open
At the 26th minute of the second half, Barcelona keeps up the pressure, while Olympiacos, despite being a man down, seeks an equalizer. The game remains intense, with chances for more goals.
