Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi, spoke in detail about the incident involving youngster Lamin Yamal during the Champions League group-stage clash with Porto. The remarks offered by the Catalan club’s manager illuminate the events as reported by Mundo Deportivo and provide a clearer view of what unfolded on the pitch.
According to Xavi, Lamin Yamal felt unwell and was in noticeable discomfort. The coach said that the teenager had been describing symptoms for some time and that during a pause in play he advised Yamal to hurry to the toilet. Ultimately, the team was informed that Yamal would not be able to resume the game, which kept the clock ticking on a match that Barcelona would eventually win. Xavi added that Yamal had to undergo additional treatment and that his return to the field was delayed beyond the original expectation, a decision that was then reflected in the on-pitch lineup changes. The manager stressed that medical and coaching staff closely monitored Yamal’s condition to ensure proper care while balancing the needs of the team as the match progressed.
In the match itself, the 16-year-old forward experienced stomach pain that forced him to leave the field in the 71st minute for medical evaluation and rest. He did not reappear until the 80th minute, with defender Marcos Alonso taking his place on the field in the interim. The timing of his comeback was handled with caution, and the coaching staff managed the substitution to maintain squad balance and tactical structure as the scoreboard stayed tight in a contest decided by a single goal.
Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory, with Ferran Torres delivering the decisive strike. The result left the Catalan outfit atop Group H with six points after two matches, signaling a strong start to their campaign in the pool and positioning them favorably in the early table. The win continued to build momentum for Xavi’s side as they pursue qualification through the group stage, with performances at home and abroad contributing to a growing sense of confidence around the squad.
Earlier in the Champions League, Shakhtar had defeated Antwerp, adding another layer to the group’s dynamics. The outcomes from these fixtures together shape the narrative of the early rounds, highlighting the importance of depth, squad management, and the ability to respond to on-field health concerns as the competition progresses. The Porto clash, the Yamal episode, and the broader group results collectively illustrate the balance teams must strike between immediate results and longer-term stamina in Europe’s premier club competition.
As the season advances, observers will watch how Yamal’s health status evolves, how the coaching staff integrates his return, and how Barcelona sustains performance across multiple fronts. The club’s approach to player welfare, rotation, and tactical flexibility will be tested as the schedule tightens and the stakes rise—elements that will continue to shape the narrative of Barcelona’s Champions League journey in the weeks to come. [citation Mundo Deportivo]