Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, expressed his satisfaction with Lamine Yamal’s return to form but advised the young player to carefully manage his groin injury following his impressive performance in the 3-3 Champions League draw against Club Brugge on Wednesday.
After battling a persistent groin injury for weeks, the 18-year-old continued his strong performance from Sunday’s LaLiga match, where he scored his first league goal since August. In Belgium, he delivered another energetic display, helping Barca equalize three times to earn a point.
Nicolo Tresoldi and Ferran Torres exchanged early goals, but Carlos Forbs gave the hosts the lead again before halftime. Yamal equalized shortly after the hour mark with a calm finish following an excellent run that split the defense.
“I’m pleased to see Lamine back at this level. However, we can’t predict what will happen tomorrow or next Sunday. The key is for him to manage his situation well, as it’s challenging,” the German manager noted.
“He must stay focused on his training regimen and treatments, hoping the pain subsides,” he added.
Yamal demonstrated his skill by receiving a pass outside the penalty area, weaving through two defenders, passing to Fermin Lopez, and then continuing his run to collect Lopez’s clever back-heel pass, finishing from close range.
“I always aim to perform my best. The play happened quickly, and Fermin set me up nicely with a flick, allowing me to finish,” Yamal said post-match.
Despite Brugge winger Forbs putting the hosts ahead again in the 63rd minute, Yamal’s subsequent effort deflected off Christos Tzolis to secure a 3-3 draw via an own goal.
Yamal addressed ongoing rumors about his groin injury, dismissing claims that it affected his mood as exaggerated and based on false reports.
“Many things were said about my pubalgia, suggesting I was down, but it was all untrue. I’ve remained the same, very happy, and focused on my work, aiming to return to training and play at this level, where I feel best and enjoy myself,” he stated.
Yamal’s goal drew comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, but the young Spanish international remained grounded amidst the praise.
“Messi has scored countless goals like that. I need to carve my own path and aspire to score many more goals in a similar manner,” he concluded.
