Barcelona’s assistant coach, Marcus Sorg, commented on Lamine Yamal‘s experience handling the pressure of the Clásico crowd, following the young player’s challenging outing in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Yamal, 18, had received a standing ovation at the same stadium just over a year ago while representing Spain, but this time the cheers turned to boos following his recent comments suggesting that Madrid benefits from favorable refereeing.
“It could be [that], probably a little bit, because he is also learning to deal with the audience, the shouting and whistles from spectators,” Sorg explained, reflecting on whether the hostile atmosphere impacted Yamal’s performance. “It’s normal. Normally he’s very motivated and plays well. Today it was not so easy for him.”
Yamal has always embraced the fierce rivalry of the Clásico. After Barcelona’s clean sweep of victories against Madrid last year, he remarked that Madrid couldn’t seem to “handle” them, adding they could only speak “when they beat me.”
However, remarks made last week on the Kings League’s YouTube channel — a seven-a-side competition promoted by former Barça defender Gerard Piqué — stirred frustration among Madrid fans. Yamal alleged that Madrid benefits from contentious refereeing yet continues to complain.
As a result, he was met with significant jeering when his name was announced before kickoff, with the crowd’s animosity growing each time he touched the ball. Notable reactions included loud cheers whenever he was outmuscled by left-back Álvaro Carreras or when his shot soared over the goal in the second half.
After the match, Real Madrid players Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior approached Yamal, making gestures with their hands, sparking a melee that resulted in the dismissal of Madrid’s backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and five players receiving bookings.
Frenkie de Jong condemned Carvajal’s provocation, stating that he should have addressed the issue privately.
Yamal, who has achieved three goals and five assists in eight appearances this season, is navigating a challenging phase in his career after missing several games due to a groin injury in September and October. Sorg noted, “He came from an injury and he needs rhythm and more games at the highest level. It’s normal; he’s 18. We have to give him time and support him as a team.”
“The opponents are working hard to defend well; they are adapting this season. We are collaborating with him to help him showcase his best version on the pitch again,” he continued. “It wasn’t easy for Lamine. We discussed it at halftime; we need to position him in more 1v1 scenarios. However, the defenders were effective and we have to acknowledge that.”
Madrid’s victory has positioned them five points ahead of Barça at the top of LaLiga, with the Blaugrana not set to return to action until they host Elche in their next league match this coming weekend.