Yamal Draws Inspiration from LeBron and Neymar for Barcelona's Champions League Comeback Bid
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is seeking inspiration from basketball legend LeBron James and football icon Neymar as his team prepares for a crucial Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Atletico Madrid. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Barcelona aims to replicate historic comebacks. Yamal changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of James leading the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 NBA Finals reversal, citing it as a source of motivation. Additionally, Yamal highlighted Neymar's role in Barcelona's famous 2017 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, calling the Brazilian striker his childhood idol. While expressing hope for Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad, Yamal focuses on leading Barcelona's attack alongside Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford. Coach Hansi Flick expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome the deficit against a strong Atletico side, potentially welcoming back Frenkie de Jong. Atletico Madrid, aiming for their first semifinal since 2017, may see the return of goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The match represents a pivotal moment for both Spanish giants in European competition.
Wire timeline
Yamal Draws Inspiration from LeBron and Neymar for Barcelona's Champions League Comeback Bid
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is seeking inspiration from basketball legend LeBron James and football icon Neymar as his team prepares for a crucial Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Atletico Madrid. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Barcelona aims to replicate historic comebacks. Yamal changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of James leading the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 NBA Finals reversal, citing it as a source of motivation. Additionally, Yamal highlighted Neymar's role in Barcelona's famous 2017 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, calling the Brazilian striker his childhood idol. While expressing hope for Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad, Yamal focuses on leading Barcelona's attack alongside Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford. Coach Hansi Flick expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome the deficit against a strong Atletico side, potentially welcoming back Frenkie de Jong. Atletico Madrid, aiming for their first semifinal since 2017, may see the return of goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The match represents a pivotal moment for both Spanish giants in European competition.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera