How did Barca fare in only UCL match without Lamine Yamal since the wonderkid's debut?

Lamine Yamal has become Barcelona's star player despite being only 18 years old. Therefore, the Spanish winger's absence from the Catalans' Champions League opener is undoubtedly a significant loss that could prove problematic when facing the tough test at St James' Park. 

The 18-year-old talent has been ruled out of the match against Newcastle due to a pubic injury that already saw him miss the 'Cules' recent victory over Valencia in La Liga, although the Catalan side are less accustomed to his absence in Europe's top club competition.

Since Lamine Yamal made his Champions League debut on 19th September 2023 in a crushing victory for the Catalan giants over Royal Antwerp, the Spanish winger has only missed one Barcelona match in European competition.

The Catalans were without the Spain international last season when they hosted Brest on 26th November 2024 in Matchday 5 of the League Phase. Fermin Lopez replaced him in the starting line-up and the Catalans claimed a comfortable victory with a brace from Lewandowski and another goal from Dani Olmo.

Once again, almost a year later, the Catalan giants are back playing a Champions League match without their star player, in a dangerous setting such as St James' Park, where they will face the Magpies, who have only lost one match so far this season.