On Wednesday night, Barcelona crushed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, and Lamine Yamal had a valid cause for asking to be substituted.
At the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the Blaugrana won handily thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice against his old team, and wingers Yamal and Raphinha.
The Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament scored Barca’s fourth and last goal of the evening and put on another outstanding display for Hansi Flick’s team.
However, the 17-year-old sensation later demonstrated his class with a gesture that perfectly captures his maturity and humility.
Later on, Yamal was seen motioning for the bench to come off, and Barca was concerned that their star player could have been hurt.
But it turned out that Yamal was genuinely requesting to go so Ansu Fati could receive some much-needed time off.
In the past, Fati was considered the next great thing for Barcelona and Spain, and he was even given Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt.
However, the winger was sidelined by injury and played on loan at Brighton in the Premier League last season.
Journalist Miguel Blasquez claims that despite the fact that he has only made ten appearances for the five-time Champions League winners this season, Yamal insisted that Fati take the pitch on Wednesday.
He said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “Lamine Yamal requested a substitution against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League so Ansu Fati could get playing time after months of absence.”
Yamal declined the famous shirt number.
Yamal has already expressed respect for the 22-year-old through the gesture towards Fati. Toni Juanmartí claims that Yamal requested to replace Fati since he is aware that the player is “having a hard time”.
In the summer, however, he also displayed his true nature. According to reports, Yamal was handed Fatu’s No. 10 shirt but graciously declined it. Yamal currently wears the No. 19, one of Messi’s previous numbers.
Following the game, Flick clarified the substitution and allayed concerns regarding Yamal’s fitness.
“Lamine is fine,” Flick said, as per Marca.
It was fortunate that Ansu could play because he had played too many minutes. It is crucial that he receive minutes. He’s preparing really well and deserved to play.”
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