Barcelona heads to Lisbon on Tuesday with a chance to secure progression to the Champions League last 16, buoyed by the dazzling form of 17-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal.
The Catalan side, sitting second in their group behind Liverpool, aims to avoid the play-off phase with a win against Benfica at the Estadio da Luz.
Their last visit to Benfica ended in a 3-0 defeat during the 2021 group stage, leading to manager Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.
However, under coach Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have rejuvenated in Europe (Champions League), dispatching giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich this season.
Yamal: The Rising Star
Lamine Yamal has emerged as Barcelona’s talisman, racking up nine goals and 13 assists in just 25 appearances.
The prodigious winger, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, with teammate Gavi declaring him the best player in the world after Messi.
He’s shown his talent in great matches, and he’s on a really good path,” Flick said after Yamal’s stellar performance in a Copa del Rey win against Real Betis.
Team Dynamics
While Yamal shines, Barcelona has other key contributors:
- Raphinha: The Brazilian winger boasts 20 goals and 11 assists this season, proving indispensable after a summer linked with his departure.
- Gavi and Pedri: The midfield duo is in top form, with Gavi recovering strongly from injury and Pedri enjoying a career-best season.
- Pau Cubarsi: The 17-year-old center-back has solidified Barcelona’s defense.
However, Barcelona’s dependency on Yamal is evident. Without him starting, the team has suffered defeats to Osasuna, Real Sociedad, and others, slipping to third in La Liga. With him in the lineup, Barcelona has lost only twice in all competitions this season.
Financial Woes Persist
Off the pitch, financial struggles continue to plague the club, highlighted by the recent Dani Olmo registration controversy.
Despite these challenges, Flick’s squad has produced scintillating football, showcasing their elite status among Europe’s best.
Champions League Aspirations
A win against Benfica would not only secure a top-eight spot but also reinforce Barcelona’s ambition to lift their sixth Champions League trophy, a decade after their last triumph.
With Yamal leading the charge, the Blaugrana are poised to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in European football.