Barcelona winger Raphinha’s recent hamstring injury, which will sideline him until May, intensifies the pressure on 18-year-old Lamine Yamal ahead of a demanding triple-header against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish champions are set to face Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, aiming to maintain or extend their lead at the summit of the table, before clashing twice more with Diego Simeone’s side in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Barca and Atletico have already met three times this season, with Barcelona securing a La Liga victory in December but losing out in the Copa del Rey semi-finals over two legs. With Raphinha unavailable, the spotlight falls on Yamal to deliver the creativity and impact needed for Barca to progress on both fronts during these high-stakes encounters.
Currently, Barcelona hold a four-point advantage over Real Madrid, who face Mallorca earlier on Saturday. Yamal recently represented Spain in a goalless friendly against Egypt at Espanyol’s stadium in Cornella, a match marred by Islamophobic chants from some home fans. The young Muslim player publicly condemned the abuse, stating, “Using religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows ignorance and racism.”
Since his breakthrough at 15, Yamal has demonstrated remarkable maturity. He played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and further developed as Barcelona secured a domestic treble last season. Often compared to fellow La Masia graduate Lionel Messi, Yamal tends to shine brightest on the biggest stages. He has scored six goals in his last seven appearances across all competitions, a form Barca hope will continue through the season’s crucial final phase.
Earlier this year, Yamal admitted to struggling with a persistent groin injury and dissatisfaction with his performances. However, he recently expressed renewed confidence and joy in playing, highlighted by his first career hat-trick against Villarreal. “I have that desire to smile on the pitch that I haven’t had for a long time, and now I’m very happy playing,” he said.
In recent weeks, Barcelona’s attack has heavily relied on Yamal’s contributions and goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s performances. Strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have found consistency elusive, while Marcus Rashford has seen his role diminish somewhat. Raphinha’s absence could open the door for Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, to start again on the left wing.
Yamal’s relentless pressing and off-the-ball movement set a strong example for Rashford, who, despite providing assists, sometimes lacks the intensity coach Flick demands from his forwards. Alongside Raphinha, Barca may also be without Frenkie de Jong for the weekend, though Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde could return from injury.
Atletico Madrid, currently fourth and comfortably ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis, have little left to play for in La Liga but will be eager to build momentum ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Valencia have climbed to mid-table largely due to the impressive form of Belgian forward Largie Ramazani. The 25-year-old, on loan from Premier League club Leeds, has scored five goals in his last nine matches. Los Che will host Celta Vigo on Sunday, aiming to extend their run of three wins in four games.
