Lamine Yamal’s performance in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan was nothing short of extraordinary.
The 17-year-old produced a standout display, scoring a stunning goal and hitting the crossbar twice, alongside several moments of brilliance.
However, despite his individual success, Yamal was far from satisfied with the 3-3 draw, as he was determined to win.
“I’m grateful for the praise,” Yamal said after the match, reflecting on his achievements.
“It is good that they value my work, but I’m only thinking about football and resting because we’ll give it our all in Milan. We were superior despite the draw, and we’re only thinking about winning.”
About the discomfort before the match
The young talent had a minor scare during the warm-up, feeling something unusual with a shot, but quickly recovered and played through the discomfort.
“I noticed something strange with a shot during the warm-up and went to the locker room, but I was able to play the game well. I always try to give everything for the team, to the maximum,” he explained.
Though disappointed by the draw, Yamal was already looking ahead. “It didn’t go well at all. I wanted to win, but in the second leg, we will all give it our all and win.”
Yamal even revealed that his second crossbar hit was accidental. “I wanted to shoot, but it went high,” he admitted with a smile, a reminder of his maturity despite the frustration.
Pau Cubarsi stays positive
Pau Cubarsi, another young star, shared his thoughts on the 3-3 draw, delivering a message of optimism. At just 18 years old, he acknowledged the mistakes made in the match but kept his eyes firmly on the prize.
“We have to be self-critical because we’ve had very few chances and conceded three goals, but we don’t have to be negative,” Cubarsi said.
“We have to think that we can win the second leg and that the fans are supporting us.”
Despite the frustration of not securing a better result, the teenager remained positive and focused on the challenge ahead.
“We didn’t play the way we should have, but we were very good in attack, and we’ll go out on their field with a 0-0 scoreline and the intention of winning,” he continued.
Cubarsi, who has already achieved so much at such a young age, admitted, “I didn’t imagine playing in a Champions League semi-final at my age, but my teammates and my family are supporting me.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Read the full article here
