Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal faces criticism after pre-match comments backfire in Real Madrid defeat, with teammates and opponents weighing in on the controversy.
Lamine Yamal’s pre-match comments created more headlines than his performance as Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old winger became the target of Santiago Bernabeu’s ire after joking on social media that Real Madrid “steal” and “complain”.
Real Madrid players, led by captain Dani Carvajal, confronted Yamal after the final whistle as tensions boiled over.
Barcelona’s assistant coach Marcus Sorg suggested the hostile atmosphere affected Yamal’s subdued display.
“He is also learning to deal with the crowd, the shouting and whistles from spectators,” said Sorg.
The teenager has enjoyed remarkable early success, winning Euro 2024 with Spain and a domestic treble with Barcelona.
His previous social media jibe that Real Madrid players could speak “when they beat me” came back to haunt him.
“Talk is cheap,” wrote match-winner Jude Bellingham on Instagram in a thinly-veiled retort.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong criticised Carvajal’s public confrontation with Yamal.
“If Carvajal wanted to speak to Lamine, he could do so in private,” said De Jong.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni took a more philosophical approach to the comments.
“They’re just words, and there’s no bad intention,” Tchouameni told reporters.
Yamal’s performance was affected by a groin injury and Madrid’s attentive defending.
“He came from an injury and he needs rhythm, more games at the highest level,” explained Sorg.
Opponents are now adapting their tactics to counter Yamal’s threat this season.
“They often play two against one against him,” Sorg noted.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Yamal’s disappointing afternoon provides valuable lessons for the young star’s development. – AFP
