Barcelona Boss Reveals What Went Wrong for Lamine Yamal in El Clasico Disaster
Barcelona's assistant coach Marcus Sorg acknowledged that Lamine Yamal was "influenced" by the hostile environment at the Santiago Bernabéu during the season's opening Clásico.
Following four straight wins over Real Madrid, the reigning Spanish titleholders endured a 2–1 loss to their bitter rivals to wrap up October. Yamal, who had tormented Los Blancos throughout 2024–25, was kept subdued on Sunday evening.
The young prodigy registered no shots on goal, won only half his individual battles, and generated just two scoring opportunities during his full 90-minute appearance in Madrid. Each time he received possession, the capacity crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu unleashed thunderous jeers in his direction, which Sorg confirmed unsettled Yamal.
"The hostile reception might have impacted him. Perhaps slightly. Since he's still learning how to handle the crowd pressure, the booing... It's part of his development," Sorg, who was deputizing on the sideline for suspended Hansi Flick, explained during his post-match media briefing.
"It's evident that he typically shows great determination, but today presented significant challenges for him," the assistant coach continued.
Álvaro Carreras executed an excellent defensive job on Yamal, effectively neutralizing Barcelona's primary attacking weapon for most of the contest. Nevertheless, the winger manufactured the Catalans' finest second-half opportunity, threading a superb pass to Jules Koundé in the 89th minute.
The defender failed to control the delivery properly, however, and wasted the excellent chance to potentially secure a late equalizer.
Sorg: Barcelona Must Allow Yamal 'Time'
Sorg and Barcelona remain fully supportive of their teenage sensation despite harsh criticism. Beyond Yamal's underwhelming display against Real Madrid, he also provoked the 15-time European champions before the match, leading to a tense atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"I believe he's recovering from an injury. He requires match fitness, game time... It's expected. He's 18 years old, and we must provide him patience and support," Sorg stated.
"It's understandable; opposing teams employ every tactic against him, and they adjust their defensive approach accordingly. We must work more intensively and assist him in maximizing his potential on the field."
Regardless of Yamal's disappointing El Clásico showing, the Spanish international has still contributed eight goals and assists in eight appearances for Barcelona in 2025–26, continuing his impressive form from last season despite battling injury concerns.