LAMINE YAMAL EMBRACES CLASICO DEFEAT, USING CHALLENGE TO FUEL FUTURE GROWTH.
Lamine Yamal faced fierce backlash from Real Madrid and their fans for pre-match comments. The Barcelona teen was targeted in a 2-1 defeat, sparking a post-match confrontation and debate over his treatment.
(Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
After remarks he made prior to Real Madrid's 2-1 triumph on Sunday sparked intense criticism in the capital, the adolescent for the first time became the center of attention in a whole stadium.
Yamal made jokes about Real Madrid "stealing" and "complaining" during a social media broadcast appearance. As a result, the Santiago Bernabeu fans heckled him during Los Blancos' victory, which put them five points ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
As the game's bitter conclusion boiled over after the final whistle, Madrid players, led by captain Dani Carvajal, went to Yamal to protest with him.
As is true on the other side of the rivalry, Yamal will discover that any hint of controversy he makes will constantly be magnified by Madrid media outlets.
Marcus Sorg, Barcelona's assistant coach, who replaced Hansi Flick due to suspension, suggested that Yamal's lackluster performance may have been impacted by the environment.
"It might be (that), most likely somewhat, as he is also learning how to handle the crowd, the yelling and whistling of onlookers," Sorg stated.
It is typical. He usually performs well and is highly driven. It was not so simple for him today.
Additionally, Yamal has come to realize that he will occasionally receive his retribution, something he has not done much of in his early career.
In addition to winning a domestic treble with Barcelona and placing second in the Ballon d'Or award voting, he won Euro 2024 with Spain last year.
Last season, the attacker claimed that Real Madrid players could talk "after they beat me." He has been ready to make fun of the team on social media.
There will always be highs and lows, however, in a rivalry as fierce and legendary as the Clasico.
Madrid players were looking for the adolescent with Barcelona's four Clasico victories from the previous season in mind.
"Talk is cheap," commented Jude Bellingham, the match-winning player for Real Madrid, in a barely veiled rebuttal to Yamal on Instagram.
"Creating a scene."
Carvajal, 33, was criticized by Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong for bickering with Yamal in public.
"Carvajal could talk to Lamine in private if he wanted to," De Jong stated.
"He could call him if he feels that he should not do stuff like those remarks. They know one another and are teammates (with Spain). Why must you cause a commotion on the field?
However, Aurelien Tchouameni, a midfielder for Real Madrid, stated that Yamal's remarks were not very distressing.
"There is no malicious intent; they are just words. It gives us a little more motivation, but if Lamine wants to talk, that is fine too," Tchouameni told reporters.
"I recall the conversations between the Barca and Real players prior to games when I was younger, and we enjoyed it. The game is ultimately played on the pitch.
Yamal seems to still be dealing with a groin injury that he has been trying to recover from, as evidenced by his particularly drab performance.
Due in part to Madrid's careful defense, he hardly ever attempted to defeat his opponents one-on-one.
Sorg stated, "He comes from an injury and he needs rhythm, more games at the highest level," adding that Barca's opponents were paying closer attention to the teenager this season.
Flick's assistant went on to say, "The opponents adjust this season and try everything to defend really well."
"He is young and needs to improve, and we will help him." "They frequently play two against one against him."
Yamal's poor afternoon will give him enough to think about in the coming weeks and months, but it would be unfortunate if he lost some of the spike that makes him intriguing on and off the ball.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.