New Delhi: Stopping the energetic, pacy and dangerous Lamine Yamal at the heart of Barcelona’s attack will be the key if Inter Milan are to fancy their chances in the second leg of the blockbuster Champions League semi-final between the two European giants on Wednesday. The two-legged semi-final is perfectly poised after a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two sides in the opening leg at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
Yamal played a starring role in helping Barcelona come from behind to snatch a 3-3 draw against Inter in the first leg at home. The 17-year-old forward delivered an inspiring performance in the game, scoring the opener for Barcelona. Yamal became the youngest goal-scorer in Champions League history after his goal against Inter in the first leg.
While Barcelona created a plethora of chances, albeit not being clinical enough in front of the goal, it was their shoddy defence that had manager Hansi Flick worried the most. Barcelona conceded two goals from set-pieces in the home leg and would be hoping to avoid a repeat of their mistakes from last week as they aim to reach their first Champions League final since 2015.
For Inter, their biggest worry would be Yamal, who has been in phenomenal form this season and has been the difference maker for the La Liga leaders. Hailed as the best teenager in the world by many at present, Yamal was unstoppable against Inter in Barcelona’s home leg and would be hoping to continue his impressive run in Milan on Wednesday.
Simone Inzaghi warns Inter Milan of ‘quick thinker’ Lamine Yamal
Such was Yamal’s impact in the opening leg that Inter manager Simone Inzaghi couldn’t stop himself from singling out the 17-year-old Spanish forward for praise while warning his team of the threat posed by him during his pre-match presser ahead of the second leg. Inzaghi made it clear Inter will have to keep ‘quick-thinker’ Yamal off the ball as much as possible to ensure they have the best chance of qualifying for their second final in three seasons.
“We need to keep him away from the ball, but it’s impossible. Whether that is a double-marking job or one player following him closely, we will try to always pay attention to him. He’s such a great talent at 17 years old,” Inzaghi told reporters in the pre-match press conference.
“Seeing him live, he’s so dangerous. Everyone gives him the ball. What impressed me was his speed of thought, he’s such a quick thinker. Even before receiving the ball, he always knows what move to make,” he added.
While Yamal has been on top of his game, Barcelona have been boosted by the return of their major marksman Robert Lewandowski. Raphina has also been in scintillating form so far this season, and the Brazilian is expected to create trouble for the Inter backline with his link-up with Yamal and Lewandowski.
However, Inter would take confidence from the fact that Barcelona have managed only one win in six away matches against them in the Champions League, drawing three matches while losing the other two. Overall, Barcelona doesn’t have a great away record in Italy with just five wins in 24 matches in the Champions League history.
Inter Milan will be hoping to stop the sensational Lamine Yamal as they aim to come out on top in the second leg of the Champions League 2024-25 semi-final against FC Barcelona. The semi-final is currently poised at 3-3 heading into the second leg in Milan. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
