Lamine Yamal is willing to lead the war front as Barcelona hope to produce a stunning comeback to eliminate Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.
The Spanish side suffered a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, with Diego Simeone’s side proving a nut hard to crack. However, the Barcelona stars are optimistic of doing the unthinkable despite their poor record whenever they are defeated at home in the first leg.
Barcelona have lost all six of their previous European ties in which they were defeated in the first leg at home, so they will be looking for a club first on Tuesday night.
Expected to play a key role in his side’s chances of reaching the final four, Yamal has sent a rallying cry ahead of the contest in the Spanish capital.
Lamine Yamal speaking to the Press ahead of the Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match against Atletico de Madrid. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
“I think we are a young team; we are all cules, very cules, and we’ve shown it many times. We have to do what we’ve done all season, fight for this badge. We really want to reach the semi-finals, and we will give everything,” Yamal told reporters.
“I don’t think the comeback against Atletico depends entirely on me, but I wouldn’t mind if it did. Tomorrow we have to play the way we know how, with intensity, without losing our style.
“That’s the key: not thinking that a comeback is a miracle. It’s a game we’re starting 2–0 down, but we have to play the way we know.
“Fortunately, I’m playing at Barca and there are players of great quality, world-class veterans who prove it every year. We have many players who can turn things around on their own, and that’s why I trust the team.
“We promise that if we are eliminated tomorrow, it will be fighting until the very end. We won’t leave a single minute without pressing and running, we’ll give everything. It will be a 90-minute match or more. It’s not over; the comeback is very possible, and that’s why we’re here.
“It’s very important for matches like tomorrow’s. We’re all from La Masia and we love Barca. We’ll give everything until the end. No matter how, if there’s a chance, we’ll play and fight until the very end.”
Yamal has been in exceptional form for Barcelona during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 22 goals and registering 18 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions.
The 18-year-old Spain international has come up with five goals and four assists in nine appearances in the Champions League this season.
