Lamine Yamal hits Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘calma’ celebration after scoring against Real Madrid to become youngest goalscorer in El Clasico
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal hit Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'calma' celebration after scoring his first El Clasico goal against Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday (October 26). The Spaniard has become the youngest goalscorer in El Clasico history at 17 years and 109 days.
After a goalless first half, Robert Lewandowski scored a brace within two minutes (54' and 56') to give Barcelona a 2-0 lead. The third goal of the night came as Raphinha dribbed from the left towards an approaching Lamine Yamal on the right.
The Brazilian passed the ball to Yamal from the tip of the box, with Yamal dribbling into the box and producing an impressive finish (77'). Raphinha then scored the fourth of the night (84') to seal the emphatic victory.
Shortly after scoring his first El Clasico goal, Lamine Yamal hit Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic calma celebration at the Bernabeu. The 17-year-old then pointed at his No. 19 shirt and name at the back in celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo had famously performed the 'calma' celebration after Real Madrid had beaten Barcelona 2-1 at the Camp Nou in April 2012. The Portuguese superstar himade t the celebration after scoring Los Blancos' second of the night via a Mesut Ozil assist.
Yamal also shared images of his calma celebration on Instagram after the 4-0 win, with the caption:
"Calma, misión completada (Calma, mission completed)."
"I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal" - When Cristiano Ronaldo heaped praise on Barcelona star
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand on YouTube channel in September, Cristiano Ronaldo tipped Lamine Yamal to be one of the best of his generation. The Portuguese talisman said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal. I hope he does not have any problem in the future and I think he will be one of the best in this generation, for sure."
Ferdinand also asked Cristiano Ronaldo to reflect on how Yamal was performing well at an early age of 17, while Lionel Messi and he were not doing so at that age. Ronaldo agreed:
"Yes. The national team helped him a lot because he was very good. I think he (Yamal) has great potential. But let’s see, if he has his way; that’s what will happen. But I believe he will achieve it.”
Yamal has recorded six goals and seven assists in 14 appearances for Barcelona this season. The Spaniard's exceptional ball control and dribbling skills have led many to compare him with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar. The 17-year-old also received his first nomination for the coveted Ballon d'Or this year.