Monday night was one to forget for FC Barcelona as they succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Girona at Estadi Montilivi.
It meant that they ended Matchday 24 in the second place in the La Liga table, two points behind leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid.
While the controversial incident leading up to Girona’s second goal has been the major talking point, Barcelona are also to blame for the result, as they could not take their chances during the first half of the match.
Lamine Yamal, for one, had a golden opportunity to gift Barcelona the lead in the first half of the game, but ended up missing from the penalty spot, hitting the woodwork. This came after he had missed from a decent 1v1 chance.
In fact, the 18-year-old sensation was not at his best for a second game in a row after having failed to perform at the expected level against Atletico Madrid last week,
Lamine played with fever against Girona
Now, according to a report from Que t’hi Jugues, Lamine was unwell in the lead-up to the game against Girona and played at Estadi Montilivi with a fever.
Lamine was down with a fever. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Indeed, the La Masia wonderkid was ill during the course of his appearance in the Catalan derby last night, which would explain his uncharacteristically quiet outing.
The 18-year-old winger had been in fine form since the turn of the year, but has seen his level drop over the past week.
So far this season, the Spanish international has racked up a return of 15 goals and 13 assists from 32 matches in all competitions.
With the season entering the final phase, Barcelona will need Lamine fully fit and firing on all cylinders as they not only hope to mount a comeback in the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Atletico Madrid but also reclaim top spot in La Liga from Real Madrid.