Lamine Yamal looking frustrated during Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea.
Barcelona’s Champions League setback at Stamford Bridge has dominated headlines, and one storyline took center stage — Lamine Yamal vs Marc Cucurella. The 18-year-old starlet struggled to break free from Cucurella, whom Hansi Flick boldly labelled “one of the best full-backs in the world.”
Despite the tough showing and the teenager’s visible frustration when he was subbed off late in the match, Flick stepped in with both support and a challenge.
“Lamine is fine. Many players aren’t happy when we substitute them,” Flick said. “Cucurella is one of the best in the world… but now it’s Lamine’s turn to step up.”
A firm hand. A soft landing. Classic Flick.
Barca’s 3-0 loss featured an own goal from Jules Kounde and clinical finishes from Estevao and Liam Delap. The defeat leaves Barcelona sitting in the playoff zone of their group instead of the automatic qualification spots — not exactly the Blaugrana standard.
Flick admitted it was “tough” and the team was “feeling down,” but he pushed back against the idea that the defence alone should carry the blame.
Barcelona’s high line makes headlines every season, but Flick made the tactical demand crystal clear:
“It’s not just the defenders. If we don’t all press effectively, we’ll have problems.”
Translation?
If one gear misses, the whole Barca machine stutters.
Ahead of the weekend clash against Alaves, Barcelona’s squad news is mixed:
Out with a stomach virus — and coming off a red card vs Chelsea.
Experiencing discomfort after the Chelsea match. Flick joked that sometimes even “new boots with new monthly colors” can cause issues.
Expected to return in the second half.
Barcelona fans exhaled collectively.
Will get minutes after recovering from injury.
Yes — Flick is seriously considering it alongside Eric Garcia.
Flick says he’s “one of the most focused players” and admits he has missed the Brazilian’s spark.
Cucurella may have won the duel at Stamford Bridge, but Flick’s message is clear:
This is not about one bad night.
It is about how the young star responds.
Barcelona need energy, leadership, and bravery — and Flick believes Yamal can provide it.
For an 18-year-old carrying expectations this huge, the next match will be more than just another LaLiga fixture.
It’s a character exam.
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