Barcelona’s Flick praises Yamal after 17-year-old makes Champions League history

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick heaped praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal after the young Spaniard delivered a record-breaking performance in the Champions League.

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The 17-year-old scored and assisted in Barcelona’s emphatic 3-1 win over Benfica, securing the Blaugrana’s place in the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Lamine Yamal has long been hailed as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, but on Tuesday night, he truly announced himself on the grandest stage.

The 17-year-old became the youngest player ever to score and assist in a Champions League match, breaking a record neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo managed in their youth.

His performance was nothing short of spectacular. Just 11 minutes into the game, he set up Raphinha for Barcelona’s opening goal, displaying the kind of composure and vision that belies his tender age.

Although Benfica hit back immediately through Nicolas Otamendi, the teenage prodigy wasn’t done yet. Before the half-hour mark, Yamal scored a sublime goal that put Barcelona ahead a second time with a delicate left-footed curler that will go down as one of the best goals of the tournament.

Following the match against Benfica, Flick was understandably delighted with Yamal’s contribution, saying, "I think everyone has been waiting for Lamine Yamal’s goal, and it's good for him. It should give him confidence, and I think the goal came at the right time."

Despite his tender years, Yamal has been a revelation for Barcelona this season, boasting an astonishing 12 goals and 17 assists across all competitions, setting him apart as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

With Barcelona now into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2020, much of their hopes rest on the dynamic duo of Yamal and Raphinha.

The teenager continues to draw comparisons to the early days of Lionel Messi, and if his performance against Benfica is anything to go by, Barcelona may have unearthed their next generational superstar.