Lamine Yamal has addressed the numerous “lies” surrounding his groin injury following his pivotal role in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday. The 18-year-old, who previously missed seven matches for both club and country earlier this season due to pubalgia, had faced speculation about the need for surgery. However, he has recently made a strong comeback, starting Barcelona’s last five matches. Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, noted that Yamal continues to manage his condition but emphasized that the teenager exhibited no signs of discomfort during the match against Brugge, where he not only scored a remarkable solo goal but also assisted in another goal. “I am good,” Yamal stated to reporters after the match. “I try not to pay attention to what is said about me. Many things have been said about my injury and my state of mind. It’s all lies. I was determined to work hard to return to this level, where I feel happiest and most engaged.” In a captivating encounter at the Jan Breydel Stadium, Barcelona trailed three times before equalizing each time through goals from Ferran Torres, Yamal, and a late own goal from Christos Tzolis. Yamal’s second equalizer was particularly noteworthy, as he received the ball just outside the box, skillfully maneuvered past a defender, executed a quick one-two with Fermín López, and finished with precision. He also contributed to Barcelona’s third goal, seamlessly moving inside and delivering a cross that Tzolis inadvertently redirected into his own net. Flick commented, “I am pleased to see Lamine performing at this level. However, we cannot predict the future; it remains uncertain what will happen next week. The most important aspect is how he manages his current situation, as it is challenging and requires focus on both training and treatment. If he handles it properly, hopefully, the issue will resolve, but timing is difficult to ascertain.” Yamal’s goal has drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, but he humbly dismissed the comparison. “I cannot compare myself to Messi; he has scored thousands of goals like that. I must carve my own path and aim to score many more goals in a similar fashion. I do my best, and the move happened quickly, thanks to Fermín’s clever flick. I controlled the ball and finished it.” For the second consecutive week, Yamal faced hostility from opposing fans, receiving jeers from the crowd in Belgium, mirroring the reception he encountered at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’m being booed while others are not. If they are whistling at me, it signifies that I am fulfilling my role effectively on the field. I am not concerned about it,” he remarked. The draw against Brugge leaves Barcelona in 11th place in the Champions League standings with seven points from four matches, while they maintain second place in La Liga, five points behind Real Madrid, as they prepare for their upcoming match against Celta Vigo.
