'Best in world' Yamal powers Barca to Betis rout, Atletico strike late

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hailed Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world as his dominant side routed 10-man Real Betis 5-2 on Saturday to return five points clear at the top of La Liga.

Atletico, second, snatched a late 1-0 win at Espanyol, while third-placed Betis are eight points adrift of the leaders and Real Madrid, fourth, host Sevilla on Sunday.

Teenage winger Yamal scored a brilliant goal for Spanish champions Barca, with Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo also finding the net at La Cartuja stadium in Seville.

Betis had Facundo Bernal sent off for a headbutt on Yamal early in the second half of a pulsating clash.

Barca set a new club record for victories at the start of a league campaign and equalled the all-time record of nine, set by Real Madrid in the 1968/69 season. Flick's side boast 11 wins from 11 games across all competitions.

Yamal, who is hoping to be crowned the world's best player at the Ballon d'Or ceremony later in October, got the ball rolling with a spectacular opener.

Source: The Standard Sports