Amid Barcelona’s celebration, a moment of uncertainty crept in—Lamine Yamal signaled for a substitution late in the game, causing widespread concern among fans and pundits alike. But what really happened? Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had the answer.
It was a night that belonged to Barcelona. Four goals, three goalscorers, and a significant step towards the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The 4–0 demolition of Borussia Dortmund showcased a vintage Robert Lewandowski brace, a masterclass from Raphinha, and another historic goal by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Despite the brilliance and celebration at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, a moment of concern arose when Yamal signaled for a substitution late in the match, leading to questions from the crowd. He had just made history again and was smiling as he left the pitch—but what really happened? Hansi Flick, as always, had the answer.
By the 77th minute, the Spanish teenager’s name was echoing around Montjuïc. After receiving a smart pass from Raphinha on the left, the winger toe-poked a cool finish into the far corner to make it 4-0. At 17 years and 270 days, Yamal became the third-youngest player in Champions League history to score in a quarter-final or beyond, trailing only Bojan Krkic and Jude Bellingham.
However, just five minutes later, the mood shifted. Yamal reached for the back of his left leg and gestured toward the bench. Dortmund had a corner, so the substitution was momentarily delayed, but eventually, Ansu Fati came on in the 87th minute. The home crowd rose in unison, applauding a teenager who once again delivered a big-game performance well beyond his years.
Despite his smile as he exited, questions swirled. Was it a serious injury? Was this fatigue? Could Barcelona be facing the season’s most untimely blow?
What did Hansi Flick say?
Speaking to Movistar+ after the game, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick quickly soothed any fears. “Lamine Yamal has no injury, he’s fine,” Flick assured. “He’s played a lot of minutes recently and it was good to rest a bit. It’s important for Ansu Fati to get minutes, he’s training well, and he deserved to play. It was good for Lamine to rest and also for Ansu Fati to play.”
Yamal’s exit, it turns out, was a precaution rather than a necessity, a wise decision as Barcelona juggles ambitions on multiple fronts. With the teenager already logging heavy minutes in recent weeks—including his standout performances against Napoli and Atlético Madrid—managing his workload was both a medical and tactical decision.
As per multiple Spanish media, he will be monitored during Thursday and Friday’s training sessions, and he may be rested for Saturday’s La Liga clash against Leganes.
