At a glance
- FC Barcelona Vs. Atletico Madrid: Barca have to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the Champions League quarterfinals after losing the first leg by that margin at the Spotify Camp Nou.
- Several Barca stars have already communicated that they believe in the remontada and advancing to the last four.
- On social media on Thursday morning, Lamine Yamal joined them by saying that the tie is far from done.
FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal believes his team’s Champions League quarterfinal with Atletico Madrid is far from over, telling fans of the club as much through a social media post on Thursday morning.
The Catalans have a mountain to climb after losing 2-0 to Diego Simeone’s men on Wednesday in the fixture’s first installment.
Atleti having not lost at home in a Champions League knockout since 1997 isn’t a historical fact to take comfort from. But that Barca having made two comebacks at the Metropolitano in the past year – and as recent as last weekend – leads players such as Ronald Araujo to believe.
On Thursday morning, Lamine joined Araujo by addressing his 41 million followers. “This isn’t over, Culers. We will give it our all in the second leg. Everyone united, always,” he told them.
Lamine left Barcelona Vs. Atletico Madrid frustrated once more
Lamine came under fire at the weekend for not celebrating Robert Lewandowski’s winner in the 2-1 victory behind enemy lines.
Hansi Flick defended his charge, and once again had to do that after the teenager again cut a frustrated figure at the Spotify Camp Nou, as Barca suffered their first defeat in the renovated ground.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Lamine ended up “sunk and desperate” after trying “everything”.
“After the game, he was seen crouched and dejected on the pitch with a mixture of exhaustion and anger,” the newspaper added.
Addressing this, Flick said that his number 10 “played an incredible game”. “He’s 18 years old and we have to support him. He is going to be one of the best players in the history of this country. The referees have to protect Lamine more, like Vinicius, Mbappé or Pedri.”
“Today Lamine and we are all disappointed, but he made incredible plays leaving four or five players [behind].” Flick further said.
Lamine Yamal still delivered a strong performance against Atletico Madrid
Granted his passing was a little off key at 77% accuracy. Yet Lamine still put up a great effort in the first leg receiving an 8.2 rating from Whoscored?.
His four shots on goal shouldn’t be sniffed. Nor should nine successful dribbles including one, like Flick said, which saw him leave a number of Atleti players in his wake in a tight area in the box.
Lamine played fantastically at the Metropolitano on Saturday too. Repeating his display puts Barca in good stead to pull off the win, and meet either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the last four.
