Barcelona’s Win Over Benfica Sparks Dressing Room Warning from Rafinha to Lamine Yamal
Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Benfica in Lisbon in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, bringing joy to the squad after a hard-fought battle. Despite playing with ten men from the 22nd minute following Pau Coparsi’s red card, the team delivered a strong performance against an in-form Benfica side that had been unbeaten in their last ten matches.
However, according to El Nacional, the victory also saw a moment of tension within the dressing room. Brazilian winger Rafinha reportedly issued a stern warning to 17-year-old Lamine Yamal regarding his attitude during the match.
Yamal, one of Barcelona’s brightest young stars, struggled to meet expectations, particularly in his defensive duties. With the team down to ten men, coach Hansi Flick expected every player to contribute defensively, but Yamal’s lack of effort in this area led to his substitution in the second half, with Ferran Torres coming on to reinforce the team’s balance.
In the dressing room, Rafinha did not hesitate to address the issue, telling Yamal that despite his immense talent, he cannot act as if he has already made it. The Brazilian emphasized the importance of humility, discipline, and hard work, reminding Yamal that his status as a rising star does not exempt him from contributing to the team’s overall efforts.
This moment served as a valuable lesson for Yamal, highlighting that talent alone is not enough—success at the highest level demands dedication to both attacking and defensive responsibilities. Though the conversation may have been tough, it could mark an important step in his development.
Barcelona remains confident in Yamal’s potential, and such learning moments are a natural part of a young player’s journey. With the guidance of experienced teammates and coach Hansi Flick, Yamal has the opportunity to grow, improve, and establish himself as a key figure for the club’s future.
