Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed that fatigue led to Lamine Yamal's withdrawal in the latter stages of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund rather than an injury problem.
Yamal scored Barcelona's fourth in their 4-0 success in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, but he looked in discomfort late on and signalled to the bench on more than one occasion that he needed to be replaced.
The 17-year-old was ultimately substituted in the 86th minute, with Ansu Fati introduced for a rare appearance, but Flick insisted after the match that fatigue was the reason for his departure rather than an injury concern.
"I saw that he [Lamine] had played too many minutes, and for Ansu, it's important to have minutes," Flick told reporters, with Fati given a rare chance to feature late on. "I don't give away minutes. He deserved to play today based on the way he's training.
"It was good that Ansu was able to play. He deserved to play. It's important for him to get minutes. He's training very well and deserved to play.
"I've spoken with him a lot and told him what I expect from him, and he's conveyed that in recent weeks. I never promise anyone minutes; you have to keep in mind the game, which dictates the substitutions."
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Yamal continues to shine for Barcelona
Yamal is having an extraordinary campaign for Barcelona, scoring 14 times and registering 21 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, including four goals and four assists in 10 Champions League outings.
Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski were also on the scoresheet against Dortmund, with the latter coming up with a brace, and the trio have formed a devastating front three during the 2024-25 campaign.
"All three are very important. But it's not just their goals but also the way we defend. We played a great game all round. Seeing how the players come off the bench, and influence the game, and quickly catch onto the pace, that's so good," added Flick.
"I really appreciate the effort my players put in - they're always striving for more, it's fantastic. Enjoying the game is part of it all, just like pressing the opponent, creating chances, defending well... my players enjoy playing football, training, being together, and that's key to being able to play matches like today's."
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Barcelona are on for a quadruple this season
Barcelona are currently four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, while they will take on their bitter rivals in the final of the Copa del Rey.
Having already won the Spanish Super Cup, the Catalan team are chasing a treble in the final stages of the campaign, which would represent an incredible first season for Flick at the helm, with the German replacing Xavi at the helm last year.
Matt Law
