Mataro erupts in celebration as Lamine Yamal helps Spain clinch second World Cup star

Leaving Barcelona by the main road leading to Mataró, about fifty kilometers away, Lamine Yamal—wearing Spain's jersey—appears enormous on a billboard. But that is only the beginning. In his stronghold, the 19-year-old Catalan is everywhere: on nearly all the Roja jerseys worn by fans gathered in front of the giant screen set up by the town hall, on the event flyer, and on the walls, where his face features prominently on a mural near the Rocafonda football club, his childhood neighborhood.

Local Bars United Behind One Player

In the local bars, two hours before the final, political considerations no longer exist. "Catalan or not, tonight we are all with Spain. For Lamine!" says a local.

Next to Central Park, where the final is broadcast, stands a building reserved for activities for the elderly. In an adjoining room, the communications team has set up an improvised press room to welcome journalists from around the world—from France, Sweden, the United States, and even Japan. Tuned to Spanish public television in its Catalan version, launched in October, the screen finally shows the idol of an entire people, wearing a headband stamped "304," the postal code of Rocafonda. Euphoria fills the aisles.

Capacity of 10,000; Latecomers Turned Away

Reached by phone just minutes before kickoff, Oscar Hernandez, the coach who spotted Yamal for Barça, was also overwhelmed by several emotions:

"It's a special feeling. Having spotted him for the first time in his club, then signing him the following year at Barça, and now seeing him in the World Cup final... There's a lot of work behind it, people don't necessarily realize it. It's a pride to have been able, at our level, to contribute to seeing him fulfill his dream."

The Match Unfolds

In the 5th minute, Lamine Yamal's first shot was barely saved by Emiliano Martinez, and the entire municipal team and the crowd vibrated in unison with him. Outside the Park, security began filtering out latecomers; only the first 10,000 could enter the venue.

The first half was tense, and the crowd celebrated Lisandro Martinez's yellow card (41st minute) as if it were a goal. What followed was intense stress and a goal in the style of Andrés Iniesta from Ferran Torres in extra time. Lamine Yamal was not the savior, but Mataró vibrated for its heroes.