Lamine Yamal in confident mood ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – ‘This is when the real players step up’

Lamine Yamal in confident mood ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – ‘This is when the real players step up’

FC Barcelona face one of their biggest fixtures of the season tomorrow night as they take on Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Having lost the first leg 0-2 at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Blaugrana must now mount a comeback against the Rojiblancos in their own backyard at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Barcelona faced a similar situation earlier this season against Atleti in the Copa del Rey semi-final, but came up short back then, and Hansi Flick & co. will hope for a different outcome this time out.

Ahead of the big game tomorrow, key Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal addressed the media in the pre-match press conference.

Lamine Yamal on tomorrow’s match

Talking about the possibility of a comeback for his team tomorrow, the 18-year-old superstar claimed:

“I think we’re a young team, we’re all Barça fans, very much so, and we’ve shown that many times. We have to do what we’ve done all season, fight for this badge, we’re really eager to be in the semifinals, and we’ll give it our all.”

On the kind of match Barcelona are expecting tomorrow, the young sensation added:

“Playing the way we know how, with intensity without losing our game, is the key; not thinking that coming back is a miracle. It’s a game we started 2-0 down, but we have to play the way we know how.”

A lot will be riding on Lamine and how he plays tomorrow for Barcelona to stand a chance. So, when asked about his responsibilities heading into the match, the Spanish attacker said:

“Luckily, I’m playing for Barça and there are players of the highest quality, world-class veterans who prove it every year. I don’t think it’s down to me alone; even if it were, I wouldn’t mind.

“We have plenty of players who can turn things around on their own, and that’s why I have faith in the team.”

On what he can promise the fans heading into the big game, Lamine remarked: “We promise that if we’re knocked out, it’ll be after fighting until the very end. We won’t let a single minute go by without pressing and running; we’ll give it our all.

“It’ll be a 90-minute game or more; it’s not over yet. A comeback is very much possible, and that’s why we’re here.”

Talking about the mindset in the locker room, Lamine added: “It’s true we were knocked out of the Copa, but that’s not the only reason.

“Barça have been chasing the Champions League for many years; we’re really keen to progress to the next round, and we’re Barça, so we’ll give it our all.”

Ready to step up and shine. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Regarding the tension between the two teams, which led to some altercations during Barcelona’s last visit to the Metropolitano, the teenager stated:

“There’s tension in every match; those were just part of the game, and they’re in the past. We’re focusing on tomorrow’s match. When things don’t go my way, I try to do my best to help the team.”

On his form and moment

Discussing his own preparedness for the must-win clash against the Rojiblancos, Lamine added:

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always said that at the start of the season there were a lot of doubts about my form because of my groin injury.

“I love it when moments like this come around because this is when the real players step up – and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

About him changing his Instagram profile picture to one of LeBron James, Lamine explained:

“LeBron is one of the role models who can inspire me for tomorrow’s match, and that’s why I’ve put it up. I’ll think about how he did it, and hopefully I’ll do the same.

“We have many players in the team; I consider myself just one of them and I’m not the only one.”

Lamine has been in red-hot form heading into the game. This past weekend, the 18-year-old racked up one goal and two assists against Espanyol.

“I’m feeling great, really looking forward to tomorrow’s match. I’m motivated for it and hope I can make a difference,” he said regarding his form.

“Let’s see if Cholo [Diego Simeone] does me a favour and sets me up one-on-one with an opponent – I hope he does,” he added, challenging the Atletico Madrid manager.

Lamine has challenged Simeone. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Talking about what it means for him to score in a Champions League match, Lamine remarked:

“Along with the World Cup, these are the two most important competitions in football, and that says it all. I’ve always dreamed of scoring goals for Barça in the Champions League.”

Highlighting how it made the moment special with so many La Masia players being in the first team, he added:

“It’s very important for matches like tomorrow’s; we’re all homegrown, and we love Barça. We’ll give everything until the very end, no matter what; if there’s a chance, we’ll play and fight until the very end.”

Discussing his role in the team, Lamine mentioned: “I’ve been lucky that, since I was young, I’ve had more responsibility than I expected, and I don’t dwell on that.

“I just try to see it not as a problem but as a strength, and the trust my teammates place in me is priceless.”

On how he sees himself in his career three years down the line, Lamine said: “I don’t know, but I hope to have many more titles than I have now; I hope to win a World Cup and a Champions League – anything that adds to my trophy haul will make me very happy.”

Concluding, Lamine spoke about former Barcelona superstar Neymar and how the Brazilian maverick has continuously inspired him, saying:

“I’ve seen that 6-1 result many times; I watched it live. Neymar has been a huge part of my childhood; he’s my idol, and I’ll always be grateful for what he’s given to football.

“He inspires us all; you pay for a ticket to see him play, and two or three days after the match, you’d watch it again just to see his moves. I want to thank him for what he’s given to football, and I hope he can make it to the World Cup.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo