I left the fear in the park

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is not afraid of the challenge of facing Inter Milan in the semi-finals of the Champions League, insisting he “left the fear in the park in Mataro a long time ago”.

Mataro is the Catalonian town in which Yamal grew up when spending time with his father before he was snapped up by Barca and moved to La Masia.

His progress thereafter has been remarkable and the 17-year-old will make his 100th Barca appearance against Inter at Camp Nou in the first leg of their last-four tie tomorrow night. In the first 99, he has scored 21 goals and provided 27 assists.

Speaking today, the winger said: “At my age, few players have played so many games in a club like Barça and that’s what I value most. Playing at this level and in a club like Barça, not just anyone can do it.”

Confidence not a problem for bullish Yamal

His fearless approach is not only displayed in the way he plays, but also the confidence he projects to the media.

“I left the fear in the park in Mataró a long time ago,” he said, before also dismissing suggestions the magnitude of the stage he now occupies beings additional pressure.

🎙️ LAMINE YAMAL: “I left fear behind in Mataró a long time ago.”#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/BbzVM2rBJo

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 29, 2025

Yamal played in Saturday’s tempestuous Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in Seville- which Barca won 3-2 in extra time –  and will start tomorrow against Inter.

He added: “I wouldn’t call it pressure. An atmosphere like that of the cup final, with the two rivals, you have to go out and enjoy it. I don’t put pressure on myself, just enjoy the moment and give it your all. I would love to live it again.”

Critics don’t matter as long as Barcelona are winning

Yamal dyed his hair blond before the Madrid game and appears to be getting more accustomed to his superstar status.

That doesn’t mean he is losing focus, however.

He said of his critics: “As long as I win, they can’t tell me anything. When we don’t win, yes.”

On his new bleached look, and his increased activity on social media, he added: “I do those things to make time pass faster. I do these things because I get bored at home. That’s it.”

Saturday’s win over Madrid was hugely satisfying for the Blaugrana but boss Hansi Flick says the celebrations are done and their concentration is trained fully on Inter.

The German said: “We have had a meeting to see what we have to do and how we can improve by watching the game against Real Madrid. 

“We have to produce our best version in both games against Inter.

“We’re going to put the focus on the first leg first. Inter is a very complicated rival, with one of the best defences in Europe. They have a very good midfield and strong forwards. Transitions are very dangerous. It will be a difficult game and you have to be prepared.

“We’ve talked about what we have to change. We have to protect and cover spaces. It is important to have possession, make few mistakes and defend well.”

Flick confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen missing out.