Barcelona’s final go to to face Benfica resulted in a heavy thumping on the way in which to Champions League group stage elimination in 2021, however with younger starlet Lamine Yamal propelling a staff on the rise, hopes are far larger for the Catalans this time round.
The Blaugrana, second within the group standings behind leaders Liverpool, can seal development to the final 16 on Tuesday on the Estadio da Luz, avoiding the brand new play-off section.
Ronald Koeman’s aspect have been heading in direction of their nadir and the coach was sacked quickly after their 3-0 defeat in Lisbon, along with his successor Xavi Hernandez capable of regular the ship considerably earlier than strolling away in 2024 as Barca nonetheless struggled to shine.
The coach did assist teenager Yamal blossom right into a key participant and now the 17-year-old is the image of Hansi Flick’s thrilling aspect who’ve already confirmed they will beat one of the best in Europe.
Barcelona have thrashed reigning Champions League holders Actual Madrid twice this season already in La Liga and the Spanish Tremendous Cup, in addition to swatting apart German giants Bayern Munich earlier within the group section.
Monetary issues nonetheless bother Barcelona, as evidenced by the latest Dani Olmo registration debacle, however on the pitch Flick’s aspect, at their finest, are able to producing majestic soccer.
Yamal has been essential to that, displaying no signal of slowing down or hitting a ceiling after inspiring Spain to their Euro 2024 triumph final summer season.
The silky winger, usually in comparison with all-time Barcelona nice Lionel Messi who additionally got here by way of the membership’s La Masia youth academy, is enjoying on a stage matched by few others in world soccer at current.
“Sure, he’s,” stated his team-mate Gavi, when requested if Yamal was the world’s finest participant. “Nicely, after Lionel Messi, he is one of the best.”
– ‘Large expertise’ –
Yamal’s talent and velocity makes him Barcelona’s largest risk, racking up 9 targets and 13 assists in 25 video games throughout all competitions, though on the left wing Raphinha has loved a surprising season to date and been important in entrance of purpose.
The Brazilian winger, linked with a departure final summer season, has fought to indicate his significance and struck 20 occasions, in addition to offering 11 assists in 29 appearances.
Gavi has returned from a long-term harm strongly, Pedri is in career-best kind in midfield, whereas 17-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi can also be necessary in defence.
Nonetheless Yamal’s influence on the staff’s play is difficult to switch when the ahead is lacking, as evidenced by a handful of video games which he missed injured or was benched in for a relaxation.
With out the winger beginning, Barcelona misplaced towards Osasuna, Actual Sociedad, Celta Vigo, Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid in La Liga, slumping to 3rd within the desk having led for a number of weeks.
“I believe in nice matches you see massive expertise and he is confirmed it many occasions,” stated Barcelona coach Hansi Flick after a Yamal tour de drive towards Actual Betis within the Copa del Rey final week. “He is on a very good (path).”
With Yamal named within the line-up Barcelona have misplaced simply twice this season, whereas profitable 19 occasions and drawing twice.
One of many defeats got here towards Monaco within the Champions League in September, with Barcelona profitable their subsequent 5 in Europe after that.
Yamal and Barcelona will search one other victory in Lisbon to ensure progress as a part of the highest eight and, a decade after they final lifted the trophy, present the five-time winners needs to be counted amongst Europe’s elite.
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