Lamine Yamal Addresses Injury Rumors and Impresses in Champions League Match

Lamine Yamal has addressed the numerous “lies” circulating about his groin injury following Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League. The 18-year-old forward missed seven games earlier in the season due to pubalgia, with speculation suggesting the need for surgery. However, he has recently returned to form, starting the last five matches for Barça.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick noted that Yamal continues to manage his condition, yet the teenager exhibited no signs of discomfort during the match, scoring an impressive solo goal and assisting another.

“I am good,” Yamal stated to reporters post-match. “I try not to pay attention to what is said. A lot has been reported about my injury and my emotions, but it’s all untrue. I have worked hard to return to this level, as it’s when I feel my best and enjoy the game the most.”

In a match filled with excitement at the Jan Breydel Stadium, Barcelona found themselves trailing three times, responding with goals from Ferran Torres, Yamal, and a late own goal from Christos Tzolis. Yamal’s goal, which served as Barcelona’s second equalizer, was particularly noteworthy; he skillfully maneuvered past a defender, executed a one-two with Fermín López, and finished with precision.

Furthermore, Yamal contributed to the team’s third goal by creating a cross that Tzolis inadvertently deflected into his own net.

Coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with Yamal’s performance, while also acknowledging the unpredictable nature of his recovery. “It is essential for him to manage his current situation effectively, as it is complex. If he can navigate this correctly, we hope it resolves soon, but predicting when is challenging,” Flick commented in the post-match press conference.

Yamal’s goal drew comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, but he was quick to downplay such comparisons. “I can’t compare myself with Messi; he has scored thousands of goals like that. I need to forge my own path and aim to score many more goals like that. The play happened quickly, and Fermín set me up beautifully with a flick, which I controlled and finished.”

For the second consecutive week, following his experience with Real Madrid fans, Yamal faced a hostile reception from the home crowd in Belgium. “I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that I am being booed while no one else is. If they are whistling at me, it indicates I am performing well on the pitch, and I am not concerned about it.”

Barcelona’s draw leaves them 11th in the Champions League standings, with seven points from four matches, while they remain second in LaLiga, trailing Real Madrid by five points ahead of their upcoming match against Celta Vigo.