‘This isn’t over, culers’ – Lamine Yamal sends stirring message to Barcelona fans after Atletico loss

Barcelona trail Atlético Madrid 2-0 after the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, but teenage winger Lamine Yamal insists the tie is far from decided. Taking to Instagram moments after the final whistle at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the 18-year-old posted: “This isn’t over, culers. We’ll give everything in the second leg. All together, always.”

Yamal was one of the few bright sparks on a frustrating night for Hansi Flick’s side, repeatedly unsettling Atlético’s back line and drawing admiration from his coach. “Of course, he’s disappointed—everyone was disappointed,” Flick told reporters. “But Lamine played a fantastic game, from beginning to end, in defence and in offence. He had one-v-one situations, three, four, five players around him. It’s unbelievable.”

The manager urged perspective around his young star, emphasising the need for protection from officials. “I said it yesterday: he’s 18 years old, and for me he’s doing a fantastic job. We have to support him, not make so much noise about things. He’s 18, come on! For your country [Spain], he will be one of the best players ever. The referees have to protect him. This is why everyone goes to the stadium—to see football from these players: Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Lamine, Pedri.”

Barcelona’s task next week at the Metropolitano is steep, especially with Raphinha still sidelined through injury. If they are to overturn the deficit, Yamal will once again be central to their hopes—but he will need collective reinforcements across the pitch.