Lamine Yamal takes inspiration from Neymar ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League tie

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is drawing motivation from one of his childhood heroes as the club prepares for Wednesday’s decisive Champions League last-16 second leg against Newcastle United at Camp Nou. Yamal, whose 89th-minute penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw in the opening encounter at St James’ Park, posted a montage of Neymar’s Barcelona highlights on social media alongside the caption “See you tomorrow,” signalling his intent to steer the Blaugrana into the quarter-finals.

The 16-year-old winger has never hidden his admiration for the Brazilian forward, citing Neymar as the player he idolised while coming through the academy ranks. Yamal will attempt to follow in Neymar’s footsteps on Europe’s biggest stage; the Brazilian was instrumental in Barça’s 2014-15 Champions League triumph—the club’s most recent continental crown.

Hansi Flick’s squad will look to capitalise on home advantage to clinch progression, and Yamal’s timely reminder of Neymar’s flair and big-match pedigree could provide the spark required on a pivotal night in Catalonia.