Yamal's Double Saves Barcelona from Granada Upset, Sevilla Edge Out Atletico

Barcelona needed two goals from their 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal to salvage a 3-3 draw with Granada in La Liga on Sunday. The young winger was the only player who shone for Xavi Hernandez’s team, who are now 10 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.

The bottom-placed hosts put up a brave fight at the Olympic Stadium and scored three goals themselves. Real Madrid had earlier widened their gap at the top with a 4-0 rout of Girona on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid’s title aspirations suffered another blow with a 1-0 loss to Sevilla on Sunday.

Yamal opened the scoring for Barcelona but Granada hit back with goals from Ricard Sanchez and Facundo Pellistri, who is on loan from Manchester United.

Robert Lewandowski restored parity for Barcelona but Ignasi Miquel restored Granada’s lead, before Yamal scored his second goal with a stunning long-range strike.

“I’m not satisfied, we wasted another opportunity, but we have to keep working,” Yamal told Movistar.

“The coach believes in me but I’m more worried about the draw and the two points we dropped than my performance.”

The result showed why Xavi has decided to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, convinced the club needs a new direction.

READ ALSO: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Roque Sent Off as Barcelona Run Riot Against Alaves

“We gave away goals and chances too easily,” Xavi told Movistar.

“The team showed faith, desire and courage as always, but it was not enough and now (winning La Liga) is even harder for us.”

Yamal was the only player who impressed for Barcelona from the right wing, on a night when the champions struggled.

In another match, Sevilla claimed a 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with Isaac Romero scoring the only goal of the game in the first half. Diego Simeone’s side missed the chance to reclaim third place in La Liga and remain on 48 points, one behind Barcelona.

Sevilla, who are 16th, moved five points clear of the relegation zone with the victory. Atletico had more possession and shots, but failed to find a way past Sevilla’s goalkeeper Nyland, who made some crucial saves. Sevilla defended well and held on to their slender lead, frustrating Atletico’s attack. The defeat was Atletico’s fifth of the season and left them 13 points behind Real Madrid.