Champions League Scoring: Lamine Yamal Breaks Mbappé Record in 3-0 Win

Lamine Yamal scored his 14th goal in the Champions League after just seven minutes of play on Tuesday, extending a lead that helped Barcelona defeat Aston Villa 3-0 at Camp Nou. The goal moved the teenager past Kylian Mbappé to become the highest-scoring player under 20 in the history of the tournament.

Barcelona applied high pressure early in the match, forcing João Gomes into an error while Villa attempted to build from the back. Yamal collected the loose ball, cut inside onto his left foot, and curled the ball around goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to open the scoring. Villa had previously won all three of its European matches this season, entering the game with a perfect record and nine points.

Aston Villa created several chances in the first half through Matty Cash, Gomes, and Johan Manzambi, supported by approximately 3,000 traveling fans. Nicolas Jackson also faced a one-on-one opportunity against Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García, but the keeper won the duel. The visitors failed to capitalize on their defensive lapses, which contributed to all three goals conceded.

Raphinha increased Barcelona's lead in the 52nd minute with a shot that deflected off Pau Torres' heel. He added a second goal shortly after, finishing a move initiated by João Cancelo. The brace brought Raphinha's season total to 19 goals in 13 appearances, extending his lead as the top scorer in Europe's top five leagues. Mbappé trails him with 15 goals.

The 3-0 result marks Barcelona's first clean sheet in the Champions League since the spring of 2025. The previous 18-match run without a clean sheet began with a quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund 19 months ago. Hansi Flick fielded a makeshift defensive line due to injuries to Eric García, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, and Xavi Espart, leaving young midfielder Brian Fariñas to continue at right-back.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery turned 55 on the day of the match, adding to a difficult evening as his side fell to a single win at Camp Nou in his managerial career. The defeat ends Villa's perfect start to the European campaign, though they remain in control of their group fate. Barcelona, which recovered from losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid last month, prepares to face Atlético Madrid on Sunday.