Lamine Yamal scored a sensational solo goal as Barcelona fought back three times to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in a memorable UEFA Champions League group-stage encounter.

The match, played at the Jan Breydel Stadium, had late drama as Brugge thought they had sealed victory in injury time when Romeo Vermant dispossessed Barcelona’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and scored — but VAR ruled the goal out for a foul.

Early Drama and End-to-End Attacking

Club Brugge stunned Barcelona with a sixth-minute opener, as Carlos Forbs outpaced the defense and squared for Nicolo Tresoldi to tap in. But Barcelona responded instantly—Ferran Torres converted Fermin Lopez’s low cross to level just two minutes later.

Despite dominating possession, Barcelona were caught out again by Brugge’s high-pressing counters. Christos Tzolis carved open the defense to set up Forbs for his second goal, making it 2-1 to the hosts.

The Spanish giants came close to leveling as both Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia hit the crossbar, but it was 17-year-old Lamine Yamal who stole the spotlight. With breathtaking skill, he dribbled past multiple defenders, exchanged a one-two with Dani Olmo, and finished coolly — drawing comparisons to a young Lionel Messi.

VAR Drama and Late Equalizers

Forbs, who spent last season on loan at Wolves, missed a golden chance to complete a hat-trick before eventually scoring again, slotting past Szczesny to make it 3-2. Moments later, a penalty awarded to Brugge for a challenge on Forbs was overturned by VAR, keeping Barcelona alive.

That reprieve proved vital as Yamal’s driven cross was turned into his own net by Christos Tzolis, making it 3-3. Late on, VAR once again bailed out Barça when Szczesny was dispossessed by Vermant, but the forward was ruled to have fouled the keeper.

Key Stats & Post-Match Reaction

• Both sides recorded identical expected goals (xG) of 2.14, reflecting a fair outcome.
• Barca hit the woodwork three times in an open, high-tempo encounter.
• Carlos Forbs was named Player of the Match with a rating of 7.13 for his brace and blistering pace.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration at his team’s lack of defensive pressure:

“It was too easy to score goals against us today… We need more confidence in our game. It’s a long way to the end of May.”

Meanwhile, Forbs reflected on his breakthrough performance:

“My first two Champions League goals against Barcelona— I can’t complain. The game plan was good, we deserved to win.”

The result leaves Barcelona on 7 points and Club Brugge on 4 after four matches, with both teams still in contention to advance.