Lamine Yamal: ‘Comeback is no miracle’

“We’re eager to reach the semi-finals and we’ll give everything to do it" he said on Monday.

"We have to play our way, with intensity but without giving up our style.”

For Lamine, nothing is decided yet: “A comeback is no miracle. We start 2–0 down, but I trust my team. We’re convinced it’s not over and that a comeback is very possible.”

He was also asked about a post on his Instagram channel, which featured an image of LeBron James. “He’s one of the figures who can inspire me for this match" said the teenager. "I’ll think about how he did it and hopefully it works out the same for me.”

Asked about his leadership, Lamine was clear: “I see myself as one of the leaders, but not the only one. We have world-class players capable of turning the tie around. It’s not just about me … And if it were just about me, I wouldn’t mind. All my life I’ve had to take on more responsibility than was expected of me. I try to enjoy it. I see it as a strength, not a problem.”

Lamine certainly isn’t lacking motivation. “I can’t wait for the match, I’m very motivated" he said. "I hope I can make the difference."

"Let’s see if Simeone does me a favour and gives me a one-on-one against a defender.” he joked, aware that Atlético’s defence usually double or triple up when the Barça winger has the ball at his feet.