Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal expressed his relief and gratitude after the Catalan giants secured their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, avoiding the stressful play-off scenario. His goal helped Barcelona secure a decisive 4-1 victory over Copenhagen at Camp Nou on Thursday, January 29, 2026, early WIB.
The victory marked a strong finish to the group stage for Barcelona, who had struggled in the early phase of the league under Hansi Flick’s management. Despite a rocky start, the team’s resurgence in the second half of the competition allowed them to finish fifth in the final group standings out of 36 teams.
Yamal’s performance, along with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford, turned the match around after Copenhagen initially took the lead. Viktor Dadason’s early strike in the fourth minute gave the Danish side a temporary advantage, but Barcelona’s superior experience and tactical adjustments ensured a comfortable victory.
Barcelona Turns the Tide Against Copenhagen
Barcelona approached the final group stage match with a clear objective: to finish in the top eight and avoid extra play-off fixtures. The victory over Copenhagen not only secured this goal but also relieved the squad from additional matches in an already congested schedule, which players like Yamal and Lewandowski welcomed.
“The goal was simple: to reach the top eight. We are extremely happy with this win,” Yamal said in a post-match interview.
He acknowledged that conceding an early goal in the Champions League is always challenging, but praised the team’s resilience and mental strength. “When you concede early in the Champions League, it’s never easy to come back. But the squad showed tremendous character, and we managed to turn the game around,” he added.
Yamal’s goal, which came in the second half, exemplified Barcelona’s sharp offensive transition and ability to capitalize on Copenhagen’s defensive lapses. Each goal underscored the team’s cohesion and attacking versatility, leaving no doubt about their quality heading into the knockout stage.
Yamal’s Growing Role and Record-Breaking Performance
Beyond scoring, Lamine Yamal also contributed with an assist, further cementing his status as one of the most promising young talents in European football. His combined goal and assist tally now equals Kylian Mbappe’s record for most goal involvements by a teenager in the Champions League.
The young winger also now holds the record for the most assists by a teenager in the competition’s history, highlighting his growing influence on Barcelona’s attack. “I feel freer on the pitch in the Champions League, even when facing two opponents at a time. I’ve started to adapt and embrace these challenges,” Yamal explained.
Extra Rest a Key Advantage
With Barcelona avoiding the play-off round, the squad gained extra rest and preparation time ahead of the Round of 16. Yamal emphasized the importance of having a lighter fixture load amid a demanding schedule. “Having two fewer matches gives us much-needed breathing room. It allows us to stay fresh and focused,” he noted.
The additional rest is expected to benefit not only Yamal but the entire Barcelona squad as they prepare to face top-tier European competition. With the team now fully confident and in rhythm, Barcelona enters the knockout stage with both form and morale on their side.
Looking Ahead: Champions League Ambitions
Lamine Yamal and Barcelona now shift focus toward the knockout rounds, where every match carries high stakes. The team’s strong group stage finish has raised expectations among fans, who hope the Catalan side can make a deep run in the Champions League this season.
Yamal remains focused on contributing as much as possible. “We are excited for the next phase of the tournament. Our goal is clear: to keep performing at the highest level and make our fans proud,” he said.
With his record-breaking achievements and growing leadership on the field, Lamine Yamal continues to cement his reputation as one of football’s brightest young prospects, ready to lead Barcelona in Europe’s premier club competition.
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