All’s well that ends well for Barcelona in the group phase of the Champions League.
They didn’t start the campaign in top form, but they made a spirited run at the end to claim a very valuable top eight
finish, and with it, a direct spot in the round of 16.
The accomplishment was even more impressive when you consider that they had to get the win without Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. This Barcelona team continues to show that getting results is a team effort.
That being said, Lamine Yamal was not just the best player on the field against Copenhagen, he was Barca’s leader. Not a bad encore after grabbing headlines for a golazo of bicycle kick against Real Oviedo.
Barcelona as a club will always be judged by what they do or don’t in the Champions League. Lamine, an aspiring Ballon d’Or winner, will also be judged by what he does for his team in this competition. That’s the biggest reason why Ousmane Dembele won the last award.
Barcelona needed to win, and even better given the close standings, if they could do so by a margin. Unfortunately, once again, they conceded the first goal early on, and had to play catch up.
The first half was full of frantic energy, but you could see a Barcelona team who were motivated, and knew what was at stake.
Flash forward to the end of the night. Real Madrid, PSG, and Newcastle, who started day in the top eight, are now on the outside looking in. They will have to play two extra games in the playoff round. One of the big reasons Barca made it to the semi-finals last year, and minutes away from the final, is because of their streamlined path, and relatively easier matchups against Benfica and Dortmund.
This was a big accomplishment, and they didn’t have the luxury of looking down on Copenhagen, who could have made it into the top 24 with a win. Instead, it was Benfica, with a stunning last minute goal against Real Madrid, who claimed the final spot.
Barcelona is showing a championship mentality of late, and Lamine Yamal is continuing to mature. As a result, he is able to impact games when it matters most.
The charge down the field that set up Robert Lewandowski’s equalizer was pure heart and desire. Lamine followed it up with the game winner, and then a set up that drew the penalty that sealed the deal for Barcelona.
All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal in the Champions League knockouts.
Not everyone around the world watches La Liga week to week, but everyone now knows his name. Lamine will have an opportunity to show he is the best player in the world for Barcelona, and then for Spain this summer in the World Cup.
The best way to do it is to not force things.
For Barcelona and Spain, he is surrounded by the best players in the world.
He doesn’t have to be fancy every time, he just needs to pick his spots, and make the plays that help lead his team to victory.
As he said after the game, “We all came here tonight thinking about finishing in the top eight. We’re very happy with the victory. In the Champions League I have more freedom and at least I’m one against two. Very happy. I’m getting used to it, it is what it is. When I can give the team an advantage I’m happy too.”
Focus on the mission, and do what you can to help the team. You talent will take care of the rest when your number is called.
When the pressure was on in the Champions League, Lamine had a second half to remember against Copenhagen, and it could be very consequential in setting up Barcelona for future success in the tournament.
Barcelona will be looking to Lamine for more leadership going forward.
The 18 year old superstar is young, but he’s growing up fast.
The spotlight is on him. What will he do next?
